As former European WBO legend Chris ‘Simply the Best’ Eubank celebrated his 49th birthday on Saturday, I look back on the glittering career of the self-styled monocle man.
Eubank turned professional in New York City as a teenager, making his debut in Atlantic City in 1985 following a 26-fight amateur career that included a local win over standout US international star Dennis Milton. Born and bred in London, he had relocated to NYC’s Bronx to start boxing at 16 and really came into his own.
After four quick-fire four-round points wins, Eubank built his reputation in Gleasons Gym and Bronxchester BC, with the late Johnny Bos watching many a sparring session of the young upstart and attempting to sign him.
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.