Boxing is an inherently psychological undertaking. It is an activity that exposes the contestants to far more than the simple prospect of defeat: the potential combination of public humiliation and genuine physical harm percolate in a fighter’s mind to a degree that few who have not lived the experience can reasonably quantify. Far from being a mere test of physical skills then, boxing is perhaps one of the purest tests of human will power. Some of the biggest contests in boxing history have therefore been won or lost through cunning, bravery and fortitude as much as they have speed, strength and stamina.
Chris Eubank
Analysing the career of Chris Eubank
By Matthew Mellan: Chris Eubank Sr, from the fighting Eubank family – that includes elder twin brothers Peter and Simon, cousins Bobbie Joe Edwards and Frank, and sons Chris Jr and Sebastian – was one of the most successful non-U.S. fighters in the history of the sport of boxing.
The first time I remember watching Eubank fight was as a teenaged, Bronx-based Englishman taking on teak-tough Eric Holland on SportsChannel America in what was the pro debut for ‘The Rock’ Holland and also the first and last time he would ever go down – in the gym, amateurs or 59 pro outings; Eubank knocked him down in the 4th round of a four-round boxing masterclass in which he jabbed his opponents face off (not literally), moved nicely and flurried nicely.