Chris Eubank Jr and James DeGale are set to meet for the vacant IBO World Super Middleweight Title at the O2 on February 23rd.
Last Chance
The British match-up has been in the works for a while and has come at a time where a loss for either fighter could see the end for their careers.
DeGale (25-2-1), who vacated his IBF Super-Middleweight Title back in July, has been questioned by many critics about his form after his surprising loss to Caleb Truax at the Copper Box Arena in late December 2017.
Eubank Jr (27-2) endured a difficult 2018 that saw him suffer a loss to George Groves back in February.
The bout, which was the semi-final of the World Boxing Super Series also had the WBA ‘Super’ World Super-Middleweight Title on the line, a belt that Groves has since lost to Callum Smith in Jeddah last September.
DeGale has also suffered a professional loss to Groves in 2011 when both fighters met at the beginning of their careers.
“A lot of people think I am in decline but they are in for a shock,” said DeGale at the fight-announcing press conference.
“After he has lost to me I am not sure where he is going to go. Call this a retirement fight. Whoever loses can knock it on the head. Whoever loses, game over.”
Eubank Jr was also in a confident mood, saying:
“In February it will be a painful lesson. I have been training to fight you for years. I know everything about you.”
The fight is set to feature on ITV Box Office and is being promoted by Premier Boxing Champions in association with Poxon Sports.
Odds
The bookies have found the main-event a difficult one to split, with Eubank Jr appearing as a slight favourite.
His best odds can be found on Black Type at 3/4, where DeGale can be backed at 13/10 on Sporting Bet. The draw is placed at 20/1 with Sky Bet.
Selby’s Redemption
Topping the undercard, former IBF Featherweight Champion Lee Selby will make his return against American Omar Douglas since his defeat to Josh Warrington last summer.
Joe Joyce is also set to return home after two fights in the US and will be facing a big step up in quality.
‘The Juggernaut’ (7-0) will take on former WBC World Heavyweight Champion Bermane Stiverne.
Stiverne (25-3-1) hasn’t fought since his loss to current champion Deontay Wilder in November 2017 and has only had four contests in the last five years.
British Prospects
London-born Andre Sterling will be hoping to start 2019 with a bang when he takes on former British Title challenger Ricky Summers.
Sterling (8-0) is undefeated as a professional but the contest with Summers (15-1) is his first big step up in class.
Summers has endured a prolonged injury setback since his loss to Frank Buglioni in 2017 and has been out of action for nine months.
The two currently ply their trade in the Light-Heavyweight division stacked with talent at domestic level with the likes of Joshua Buatsi and Anthony Yarde currently leading the way in British boxing.
Chris Kongo is also set to feature against an as-of-yet unnamed opponent. The 26-year-old is still a relative novice, having yet to share the ring with an opponent with real quality.
Former army officer Chezerae Nihell, will also feature making his professional debut in the heavyweight division. Nihell is a former ABA Champion and will be facing an opponent yet to be announced.
