By Miguel Assuncao
Chris Eubank Jr. (23-1-0, 18KOs) impressively defends his British middleweight title with a fourth round technical knockout of Tom Doran (17-1, 7KOs) and now turns his attentions to a showdown with WBC/WBA/IBO/IBF middleweight world champion Gennady Golovkin.
With much of the pre-fight talk centred on rumours the Eubank camp were close to a deal with Golovkin for a September fight, the Brighton man was keen to entertain as he postured in the corner after the opening bell before going to work on his Welsh opponent.
Eubank Jr, 26, then teed off with his trademark right uppercut and landed two solid right hands while showboating - much to the delight of the crowd - before using his trusted uppercut again in the second to assert his dominance.
To his credit, Doran wasn't discouraged and was willing to exchange but rarely found the target as Eubank Jr. used impressive head movement to get himself out of range.
Under the watchful eye of father Chris Sr. at ringside, 'Next Gen' stepped up through the gears in the third and dropped Doran after landing a number of unanswered blows to head and body, leaving Doran gasping for breath.
Eubank Jr. started round four with a measured approach but sprung into action, knocking down Doran with a body shot before sending him down again seconds later with another uppercut before a further right to the body finally left Doran unable to continue at 2.35 of round 4.
After the fight, Eubank Jr. stated: “Gennady Golovkin I’m coming for you. I’m coming for your belts, man. Everyone’s scared of you. For some reason they think you’re this indestructible man. You’re not and I’m coming. And if I can’t get you, [Billy Joe] Saunders, you I’m coming for as well. You’re getting it. Anybody out there with a world title I’m coming for.”
Eubank's promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Sport, claims a deal is very close for a fall fight: "Chris Eubank Jr wants to fight Golovkin, Golovkin is ready to accept the fight. I believe that Chris Eubank Jr. against Gennady Golovkin could get made this week.”
