Ahead of Saturdayโs unmissable โBad Bloodโ grudge fight between Billy Joe Saunders and Chris Eubank Jr, boxing writer Glynn Evans canvassed 25 of boxingโs ace faces to find out who they were backing.
Don Charles (London coach): I go with Billy Joe Saunders on points. Eubank Jr is very good โ in fact I canโt detect any weaknesses โ but I just feel itโs a fight too soon for him.
Itโs about levels. Billy Joe has a championโs mentality and also has a very experienced, very able trainer (Jimmy Tibbs) to steer him from the corner and I think that could be vital.
Eubankโs chances would improve if (coach) Ronnie Davies was allowed to do his thing but I fear his hands are tied and Chris Juniorโs dad interferes. Senior was a great fighter but hasnโt trained anyone yet in a big fight.
Also if Billy Joe was able to withstand the assaults of John Ryder, I feel heโll withstand whatever Eubank Jr is able to bring.
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Bradley Skeete (British welterweight challenger): Eubank Jr is a right sausage so thereโll be a proper drama if he pulls off the upset. I think thatโs unlikely to happen.
Recently, when I was sparring Andy Lee, Adam Booth (Leeโs coach) told me Eubank held his own in spars with George Groves so he must have something about him.
But Billy Joe has a far stronger amateur pedigree and has fought at a much higher level as a pro. Heโs come through the right way. Southern Area, British, Commonwealth, European. Unlike Eubank, heโs done the 12 round trip plenty of times and his last three opponents were all unbeaten.
I donโt think heโll stop Eubank but, provided he doesnโt get drawn in, and sticks to his boxing, Billy Joe will win convincingly on points.
Romeo Romaeo (unbeaten super-feather prospect): Iโm with Eubank Jr. Heโs got better skills and heโs fitter; a real athlete. I think heโs quality and so was his dad.
I donโt see much to admire in Billy Joe Saunders. I donโt rate his style. He just marches forward and tries to go toe-to-toe. He just likes to scrap. Heโs not my cup of tea.
After a good 12 round fight I see Eubank winning a wide points decision.
EXCLUSIVE RONNIE DAVIES INTERVIEW in this weekโs BOXING NEWS
Brendan Ingle (Sheffield trainer): Saunders will win. He can box, hit and heโs clever. I think he has the ability to even stop the other fella.
Itโll be exciting. Young Eubank is a good fighter and I expect him to come through eventually. His father has all the achievements and knowledge to guide him but, at this stage, he needs more time to develop. Heโs not in Saunders class just yet.
Terry Flanagan (British lightweight champion): I like Billy Joe Saunders. Heโs trained very hard for this and heโs got more experience. Eubank Jr is class and can bang but, provided Billy Joe has his right head on, he can edge it on points in a fight thatโs part cagey, part war. Heโll be too clever and will box his ears off.
Steve Collins (ex two weight world champion): I really canโt decide. I think both are great for the game. Itโs going to be much closer than originally I thought it would be. A lot will depend upon who sticks to their game plan on the night.
Eubank Jr has looked very impressive in sparring of late, very powerful. Iโd not be at all surprised if he took Billy Joe out. But it looks a jump too far.
I have to sway marginally to Billy Joe Saunders. He has the tools, the experience, the ring craft to steal it on points. But heโll need to stay on the back foot. If he opts to go toe-to-toe, I think Eubank will do him.
ANALYSIS AND SAUNDERS-EUBANK JNR PREDICTION in this weekโs BOXING NEWS
Gary Lockett (Welsh trainer/ex world middleweight challenger): If you place my head on the chopping block, Iโll go with Billy Joe but itโs not a confident pick.
I donโt like Eubank Jrโs arrogance. I like to see respect given to all fighters and several times heโs let himself down. But though heโs not been beyond round eight, I donโt think the Eubanks would have taken this fight unless they were very confident of winning.
Between the ropes, Chris Jr is very cool, calm and confident in his ability, never flustered. That said, heโs not fought anyone yet.
For the sake of boxing, I hope itโs a really good fight. You have to go with the man with the experience. Saunders is a proven force whoโs been through the trenches with the likes of John Ryder and Nick Blackwell. He should win, probably on points.
James Cook (London trainer/ex European super-middleweight champion): I go with Billy Joe Saunders. I think this has come too soon for young Eubank. Heโs improving but heโs not up there yet. He needs to face an acid test before going up against someone as accomplished as Saunders.
What I donโt like about Junior is how he tries to be a carbon copy of his dad who could really fight. Chris senior could really punch and really take a punch. Junior has different qualities and needs to settle into his own style. If he continues trying to mimic his dad heโll soon get found out.
Billy Joe is keen, works hard and puts his punches together impressively. Heโs got a great heart, no fear, and real all round ability. I expect him to know too much and win on points in a very good fight but itโs only a 60-40 pick.
Lewis Pettitt (world rated super-bantamweight): Eubank Jr is decent but I donโt like his arrogance. No need. Heโs not boxed at Billy Joeโs level so needs to show more respect.
Saunders has boxed at a far higher level and I think heโll be too experienced. Heโs a slick southpaw who can also have a fight. If he gets drawn into a brawl next weekend he could have a hard night or even get beat but his skills are incredible and I expect Saunders will outbox Eubank and win on points.
ANALYSIS AND SAUNDERS-EUBANK JNR PREDICTION in this weekโs BOXING NEWS
Steve Robinson (former world featherweight champion): Iโm expecting a really good fight. Eubank Jr is probably a bit stronger and he hits very hard, especially with those uppercuts. Heโs also a bit of a character who seems to get under a lot of peopleโs skin but that generates interest and is good for the game.
However, he lacks experience. Thatโs where Saunders has the big edge. Heโs a skilful unorthodox southpaw with good variety and that should take him to a points victory.
Jack Catterall (unbeaten light-welterweight prospect): Eubank will win by stoppage. Iโve seen him sparring in the gyms and Iโm really impressed with his raw strength. Even though heโs not fought anyone, Iโm expecting him to win by knockout.
Heโs hard to like away from the ring but heโs cool and calm inside and when he explodes, heโs got good gears. Heโll have too much for Saunders in what should be a cracking fight.
Nick Blackwell (ex British middleweight challenger): Iโve fought and sparred Billy Joe and also sparred Eubank five or six times so Iโm well positioned to analyse this.
Eubank hasnโt fought anyone near Billy Joe Saundersโs level. Neither are โone punchโ bangers but I give Chris the edge in power. However, he really loads up. The more we sparred, the more I started to get on top. In our last spar I was pushing him back and beating him up.
Billy Joe is a lot better technically, has better footwork, plus an edge is speed and work rate. He punches in snappy combos and, whereas previously heโs only trained at 50%, heโs really licked himself into shape for this, over in Spain.
It might start like a chess match but Billy Joe will gradually take Eubank to places heโs not been before; outbox him and make him look silly. If Eubank is as tough as his old man, heโll not get stopped but Saunders will win clearly.
Clinton Woods (former world light-heavyweight champion): A few choice things have been said between them, so it has to be a good fight. They donโt like each other, do they?!
Eubank Jr looks the part and is good to watch but heโd be better off without his father interfering. And you have to question the calibre of opposition heโs been beating. No one has had a go back at him yet. Saunders will.
Billy Joe is very clever, doesnโt get hit much and has beaten better competition. On experience, Iโll go with Saunders, probably on points.
Barry Jones (former world super-featherweight champion): Chris Eubank Jr has looked fearsome against poor opposition. Heโs definitely blessed with power but heโs not had a competitive fight yet because he doesnโt fight competitive opposition; just survivors.
Therefore, you have to go with the proven man and that is Saunders. Billy Joe has got to be smart and stop his heart ruling his head but heโs got tremendous movement that will keep him out of trouble and enable him to bag the decision.
Frank Buglioni (leading super-middleweight prospect): Billy Joe by mid to late round stoppage, definitely. It could even be earlier. I think itโll be very one sided. Billy will have way too much from the opening bell.
I know his diet has been spot on and heโs in the best condition ever because of how much this fight means to him; how motivated he is. He really, really hates Eubank Jr.
Thereโs a lot of hype surrounding Eubank Jr but Iโve not seen anything to suggest itโs justified. His offense might be good but he doesnโt appear to have a great defence when under fire.ย Whenever Iโve seen him spar, he does three or four rounds at a fair clip then jumps out. Twelve rounds is a long, long road.
Because of his class, people forget that Joe is a natural fighter who can go to war. I donโt think Eubank will land on him. Billโs strength and fitness will be way too much. Heโll make Eubank miss, frustrate him, then put him to bed.
ANALYSIS AND SAUNDERS-EUBANK JNR PREDICTION in this weekโs BOXING NEWS
Liam Smith (British light-middleweight champion): Youโve got to go with Billy Joe. Heโs just better all round. Heโs far more experienced; has had more rounds in harder fights against better opposition. Motivation is another key factor here; heโll raise his game to new levels.
People seem to be giving Eubank a chance because Saunders hasnโt performed great of late.ย I donโt like Eubank Jrโs antics but he could be a very good fighter. We simply donโt know.
He was probably matched harder in his first ten fights than his last eight. Of late, he hasnโt needed to think. How will he react when the chips are down? Heโs never come from behind in a fight yet.ย Weโll find out exactly how good he is after heโs shared a ring with Billy Joe Saunders.
Because of all the needle there should be a tremendous atmosphere and it should be a great battle but I think Saunders wins clearly on points.
Adam Booth (London coach): For me, itโs a genuine 50/50 fight but Iโm going to go with Junior to take over in the second half and outlast him. But to win, Eubank has to stop him. He has to โgo for itโ.
A lot will depend on Billy Joeโs conditioning. Heโll probably outbox Junior for the early part but can he sustain it over 12 rounds?
Despite his lack of experience, Christopher has a lot going for him. He has a lot of fighting energy. If he can cope with Saundersโ quick jab and hand speed, heโll spring an upset.
Colin McMillan (former world featherweight champion): Itโs a tough one that has me swaying back and forth. Both will really be up for it.
Right now, I edge ever so slightly to Saunders. He has a bit more pedigree. Heโs proven on a higher plane. Heโs a real fighting man with terrific natural speed and movement, plus heโs a southpaw. Thatโs always a huge advantage
Though we hear stories of Eubank Jr more than holding his own in spars with Carl Froch and George Groves, I believe this fight has possibly come a couple of fights too soon for him. Still, heโs quite a character, very confident. Heโs got very fast hands, hits quite hard and is a vicious finisher.
The fight could go so many different ways. It could be an absolute stinker but thereโs a lot on the line here and both are talking up a good fight. I doubt itโll disappoint.
I expect Saunders to capitalise on his edge in speed to outbox Eubank over 12 rounds.
EXCLUSIVE RONNIE DAVIES INTERVIEW in this weekโs BOXING NEWS
Mitchell Smith (English super-featherweight champion): If they were still amateurs, thereโs no way this fight would be accepted. Eubank simply isnโt up to the standard, hasnโt earned the right to be challenging for the European title, contesting a world eliminator.
He looks very strong, very fast but heโs got his shot through his mouth, not through his boxing. Heโs not even fought at Southern Area level yet. Heโs jumped the queue because of his name. Itโs pathetic.
It might be close and cagey for a few rounds. To have any chance, Eubank will need to dictate the pace but he likes to admire his work.
Saunders wonโt let him. Once he finds his distance and timing heโll dominate the pace and be very hard to beat. Billy Joe has the skills and experience to force a late stoppage.
John Breen (Belfast trainer): I like Billy Joe Saunders on points. Heโs the better prepared, more professional fighter. Heโs been in harder fights against far better opposition. Frank Warren has done a great job getting him the right fights and heโs only going to get better.
Eubank Jr listens to his dad too much. Heโs just been beating nobodies. Heโs similar to his father but not as strong. He wants to forget about playing to the gallery.
The crowd will help make it a great fight, great occasion, just as it always was when Eubank Snr fought.ย Itโll be competitive but Billy Joe has the tools and experience to change tactics. Eubankโs not been taught too much and thereโll be stages when heโll not know what to do.
Jason Rowlands (Essex trainer): The crowd will help make this a great fight. Personally, I hope Bill pulls it off but itโs a fight he doesnโt need. Also heโs a bit smaller and always appears a bit fleshy. A lot will depend whether Bill stays in front of him or deploys his clever movement.
Eubank has just got something about him and heโs improving with every fight. You never know whatโs going to happen with him. Heโs a natural puncher, particularly with the uppercut which is always a good shot against the southpaw. Heโs got long arms, good leverage and can cause a lot of damage. Iโve got a funny feeling that Eubank Jr is going to edge it.
EXCLUSIVE RONNIE DAVIES INTERVIEW in this weekโs BOXING NEWS
Dominic Ingle (Sheffield trainer): This fight is a bit like the first Nigel Benn-Chris Eubank Snr fight in 1990. We knew nothing about Eubank Snr beforehand. He was a huge underdog and shocked us. His son is good, has an awkward style but shows flaws. Tyan Booth boxed his ears off for four rounds, couldnโt miss him.
I donโt read too much into his successes sparring Carl Froch and others. I know Carl was just breaking into sparring. It wasnโt as though it was a week before a fight.
Itโs a very interesting fight and should be good to watch. Eubank definitely has the unconventional style to cause Saunders problems. But Billy Joe is more consistent and has done more rounds against slightly better kids so should win on points.
Herol โBomberโ Graham (ex three time world title challenger): Itโs a very intriguing fight. Both dislike each other, both needthe win so we can expect a real hard battle with someone getting stopped. Weโll find out who wants it more.
Iโve sparred Eubank Jr. I tried to help him but he didnโt want to listen. Heโs a bit tricky. He messes around trying to do his daddyโs stuff but it doesnโt always come off for him.
Billy Joeโs not a bad boxer but I expect him to try to batter Eubank, blew him away. Southpaws need to move in the opposite direct and throw the right hand. Itโll land every time.
But Billy Joe doesnโt sit back so he will get caught. Iโm going for Eubank to nick it in a hard fight.
Brian Lawrence (London coach): I think Billy Joe will have way too much for Eubank Jr. Heโs proven himself.
Eubank Jr hasnโt fought anybody. His record is padded and this is a big, big step up. He brings a lot of hype but I donโt really rate him. Heโs got quick hands but thatโs about it. Technically, heโs alright but there are a lot of flaws. Heโs very wild, makes far too many mistakes.
Thereโs only one winner. Billy Joe is a very good southpaw and theyโre always hard to beat. He could win by late stoppage but, if nothing else, I think young Eubank is probably quite tough, so more likely Saunders wins easily on points.
Stuey Hall (former world bantamweight champion): I lean to Billy Joe Saunders just coming through on points. Heโs more experienced and has fought better opposition over 12 rounds.
Eubank Jr looks a good talent and has blown out a lot of opposition. I expect it to be cagey for a few rounds, then Eubank to try to put it on Saunders. Itโs possible he could take the champion out.
But heโs yet to be tested and Billy Joe has a lot of skill and experience. That should be enough.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION in this weekโs BOXING NEWS
EXCLUSIVE RONNIE DAVIES INTERVIEW in this weekโs BOXING NEWS