Another boxing star never far from controversy, Chris Eubank Jr. was almost involved in two separate fights on the same night against a heated rival.
Taking on some of the biggest names in British boxing during his lengthy 38-fight professional career, Chris Eubank Jr. recorded some notable victories in the process.
Dropping a trio of losses against Billy Joe Saunders, as well as Liam Smith, and former world champion George Groves, each of those bouts had fallen into controversy.
However, a rather forgotten pairing of the Hove native’s career almost resulted in a vicious post-fight brawl.
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Making his trip outside the United Kingdom during his career in 2018, Eubank Jr. fought on the undercard of above-mentioned rival Groves’ retirement outing in the Middle East.
And taking on Mullingar native J.J. McDonagh in a heated clash, Eubank Jr. would emerge with a third-round finish over the Irish puncher, who had suffered a shoulder injury during the early stages of the fight.
Explaining his injury setback during his post-fight interview in the ring alongside Eubank Jr., McDonagh boldly called into question the competition the British star had faced so far in his career.
Taking umbrage with Eubank Jr.’s reaction to his comments, McDonagh vowed to beat the former in an immediate rematch there and then — claiming he would beat him with his one mobile arm if afforded the chance, in one of the most viral boxing clips of the year.
The duo was eventually corralled by security officials, with Eubank Jr. smirking as McDonagh claimed he was “not one bit afraid” of facing him there and then again.
Chris Eubank Jr.’s row with Liam Smith
Before his shocking upset loss to Liverpool rival Smith, Eubank Jr. and the Merseyside puncher were involved in a bitter spat, crossing personal and professional boundaries.
Accusing Smith of infidelity on his wife, Eubank Jr.’s sexuality was called into question by the former, who was accused of launching a homophobic attack at his opponent.
With the duo issuing an apology for their comments, Smith would knock out Eubank Jr. in their first clash, before Eubank Jr. finished Smith with a tenth-round TKO win in their rematch in September 2023.