WBA (interim) middleweight champion, Chris Eubank Jr makes his Sky Sports TV and Matchroom Sport promotional debut tonight in Sheffield, England, against 39 year old American, Tony Jeter, assuming top-billing in Kell Brook’s absence and promising an ‘explosive performance.’
The British legends’ son has promised he isn’t overlooking the fringe contender and WBA #13, even though his next fight – a December outing against Irishman, Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan is already announced.
“My mindset is that there’s a man in front of me trying to take away your dignity, your pride and your health so you can’t underestimate any man who’s trying to come in there and do that to you,” the younger Eubank said. “I’ve trained 100% for this fight and you’re going to see an explosive performance.”
Eubank takes top billing on a decidedly lukewarm card that has been a disaster for Sky and promoter Eddie Hearn since the Klitschko/Fury bill it was due to be a TV split with on PPV was postponed.
A salvage operation ensued whereby Hearn announced a solution in which ‘everybody wins’, keeping Brook vs Diego Chaves on regular Sky without the Box Office fee, although that quickly went to pot when the IBF champ pulled out citing a rib injury, sounding a loud warning signal to the conspiracy theorists who believe Hearn simply couldn’t pay him his PPV purse on a non-PPV show.
Either way, the stage is now Eubank’s on which to shine, and he should do in considerable fashion, although his veteran opponent claims he has sprung monumental upsets in the past and will be looking to do so again.
“I’m very confident. I came a long way for this fight and I’m ready to go,” Jeter said. “We trained hard and we’re in great shape. We had great sparring in a great camp. I came in to it with no injuries and I’m ready to go home with the title.
“I know he’s a good fighter but I’m a good fighter too and it’s going to make for a hell of a show. I’m happy to be in Sheffield. It’s a great place but it’s going to be better when I’m flying back with the title.
“I’m looking on to putting on a good show for all of you and I hope you’re going to enjoy it.”
Twitter @Undilutedpoison