Eubank Jr, O'Sullivan Meet The Press - And Each Other

By Shaun Brown

Today’s press conference in London between Britain’s Chris Eubank Jr and Ireland’s Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan was always going to be a lively affair. Eubank Jr made the comment after O’Sullivan's colorful outbursts on social media recently.

“You are a keyboard warrior/Twitter terrorist,” added the Londoner.

The two middleweights collide on Matchroom’s ‘Bad Intentions’ show on December 12 at London’s O2 Arena. They met each other in person today at Trinity House.

There has been no love lost between the pair for quite some time now and after various exchanges on Twitter the fight was eventually signed, sealed and delivered for next month in what will be a WBA world middleweight title final eliminator.

Steve Collins, a former world middle and super middleweight champion and one-time infamous rival to Eubank Jr's father, was also present at today's press conference. 

Now a trainer these days, Collins occasionally assists his brother Paschal who coaches O'Sullivan and said: “It’s really hard to pick the winner. I edge with Spike but the winner will be who wants it most on the night.”

“We’re going after Chris as it’s a big money fight. We have the blueprint to beat the Eubanks,” said Paschal, making note of his brother’s two wins over Eubank Sr., who was unbeaten at the time of their St. Patrick’s Day ’95 clash before falling short again later that year.

Eubank Jr, who has only ever lost once professionally in a memorable affair to another bitter rival in Billy Joe Saunders last November, now has the expertise and tactics of Adam Booth to call on after recently calling on the services of the man who has guided David Haye and Andy Lee to world titles. 

 “This is a fight that Chris wanted,” Booth noted. “It’s a great match of styles. I believe Chris is special and this fight will show that.”

O’Sullivan – whose lone pro loss to date has also come versus Saunders - was in predictably confident mood. “I can’t wait to put a show on for the boxing public. I’m going to knock this kid out. The bright lights and big stage bring out the big performance in me.”

Naturally, the claim couldn’t go unchecked by his upcoming opponent. 

“His one dimension is to come forward and throw punches,” Eubank Jr. countered. “These type(s) of fights are what the public demand and I want that. He relies a lot on throwing power-shots, he’s never been in with someone like me. I will take over the fight and stop him. Spike has dug himself into a hole he can’t get out of.”

The harsh words exchanged figured to make for an intense stare down. It was not to be, as the second-generation boxer – who goes by “English” these days – refused to go face-to-face with O’Sullivan. 

In his defense, sound reasoning was offered.

“He kissed his last opponent during the head-to-head. That is not acceptable,” Eubank Jr. pointed out.

Lead promoter Eddie Hearn was quick to remedy the solution, standing in between each fighter to provide a side-by-side pose for photographer’s row. 

The middleweight grudge match serves in chief support to the anticipated clash of unbeaten heavyweights Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte.