Biography of Chris Eubank
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Christopher Livingstone Eubank |
| Born | 8 August 1966 |
| Dulwich, London, England | |
| Other names | Simply the Best |
| English[2] | |
| Weight(s) | Middleweight |
| Super-middleweight | |
| Cruiserweight | |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)[1] |
| Reach | 73 in (185 cm)[1] |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 52 |
| Wins | 45 |
| Wins by KO | 23 |
| Losses | 5 |
| Draws | 2 |
Christopher Livingstone Eubank, born on August 8, 1966, is a British former professional boxer who competed from 1985 to 1998. He held the World Boxing Organization (WBO) middleweight and super-middleweight titles between 1990 and 1995. Ranked by BoxRec as the third best British super-middleweight boxer of all time, Eubank reigned as world champion for over five years. He remained undefeated in his first ten years as a professional and also stayed undefeated at middleweight. His world title contests against fellow Britons Nigel Benn and Michael Watson helped British boxing reach a peak of popularity in the 1990s. Eubank’s eccentric personality made him one of the most recognizable celebrities of that period.
In his final two years of boxing, he challenged then-up-and-coming contender Joe Calzaghe in a bid to reclaim his WBO super-middleweight title. Calzaghe later claimed that it was the toughest fight of his entire career. Eubank’s last two fights were against WBO junior-heavyweight champion Carl Thompson, both of which were brutal encounters. In the rematch, Eubank was stopped for the first and only time in his career.
Eubank is credited for his bravery in the ring, where he was able to take considerable amounts of punishment from power punchers en route to his victories and defeats, earning him a reputation for having a “granite” chin. His son, Chris Eubank Jr., is also a professional boxer.
Early Life
Christopher Livingstone Eubank was born on August 8, 1966, in Dulwich, South London. Raised in Jamaica until the age of six, he returned to England to grow up in various neighborhoods including Stoke Newington and Peckham.
Boxing Career
Beginnings and Rise to Prominence
Eubank’s journey in boxing began in New York, where he trained at the Jerome Boxing Club. He made his professional debut shortly after his 19th birthday and quickly gained attention, particularly after defeating Anthony Logan in 1989.
WBO Middleweight Champion
Eubank’s career peaked when he won the WBO middleweight title against Nigel Benn in a classic encounter. He successfully defended his title against formidable opponents, solidifying his status as one of the best in his division.
WBO Super-Middleweight Champion
Moving up in weight, Eubank continued his dominance, winning the WBO super-middleweight title in a memorable rematch against Michael Watson. Despite challenges and controversies, he defended his title with determination.
In September 1991, Chris Eubank faced Michael Watson in a rematch for the vacant WBO super-middleweight title. The bout turned into a dramatic spectacle, with Watson suffering a near-fatal injury. Despite being behind on all scorecards, Eubank delivered a devastating uppercut to Watson in the 12th round, securing a knockout victory. However, the aftermath of the fight left Eubank contemplating retirement, as he reflected on the consequences of his punch.
Eubank’s success in the ring was accompanied by his confident demeanor and flamboyant behavior. He became known for his extravagant entrances, posturing, and controversial statements, earning him both admiration and criticism. After acquiring a second title, Eubank focused on defending his super-middleweight crown, preferring points victories over knockouts. He faced notable challengers like Nigel Benn in a highly anticipated rematch, which ended in a draw.
Despite setbacks, including a loss to Steve Collins in March 1995, Eubank continued to compete, displaying resilience and determination. His final title challenge came against Joe Calzaghe in 1997, where he lost by points but gained popularity for enduring the fight against a formidable opponent.
Eubank’s career beyond boxing saw him engaging in various ventures, from activism to television appearances. Despite facing personal challenges, including bankruptcy, he remained a prominent figure in British sports and entertainment, leaving behind a legacy of both sporting excellence and eccentricity.
Memorable Matches and Challenges
Eubank faced fierce rivals like Nigel Benn in highly anticipated rematches and took on emerging talents like Joe Calzaghe, showcasing his resilience and skill in the ring.
Cruiserweight Division and Retirement
In a bid for another title, Eubank challenged Carl Thompson for the WBO cruiserweight title but fell short. After a storied career spanning three weight divisions, he retired with an impressive record.
Career Beyond Boxing
Eccentricity and Public Persona
Eubank’s flamboyant personality extended beyond boxing, earning him a reputation for eccentricity. He ventured into various endeavors, from television appearances to modeling and even a stint on reality television.
Activism and Ambassadorship
Eubank didn’t shy away from expressing his views, often engaging in activism against war and promoting responsible gambling. He also served as an ambassador for charitable causes.
Personal Life and Legacy
Despite personal challenges and controversies, including bankruptcy and legal issues, Eubank remained resilient. He cherished his family and honored his father’s memory through his nickname “English.”
Chris Eubank’s legacy transcends boxing, embodying both sporting excellence and colorful personality. From the heights of championship glory to his ventures beyond the ring, he remains an enduring figure in British sports and entertainment.
Eubank and his first wife, Karron (married 23 December 1990 in Brighton), had four children (Christopher, born on 18 September 1989; Sebastian (18 July 1991– 9 July 2021); Emily, born on 19 April 1994; and Joseph, born on 23 October 1996) and have over the years starred in various television programmes. Eubank also has an elder son, Nathanael Wilson, born August 1988. His son Sebastian, also a professional boxer, died aged 29 on 9 July 2021 in Dubai.
Eubank is the cousin of English media personality Mica Paris.
In 1992, Eubank was involved in a fatal collision when he lost control of his car on the London to Brighton road; the car came off the road and killed a building site worker. He was convicted of driving without due care and attention, fined £250 plus £1,450 costs, and had six penalty points added to his driving licence.
In August 2005, Karron petitioned for divorce from Eubank. Also in 2005, Eubank was convicted of taking a vehicle without consent. He had driven a beer lorry which was being unloaded away from a place where he considered it to be causing an unreasonable obstruction.
In 2014, Eubank married his manager Claire Geary, but the couple divorced in 2017.
In 2015, Eubank adopted the nickname of his deceased father, “English”, to privately perpetuate his memory and to publicly differentiate himself from the budding boxing career of his son Chris Jr.
In 2021, Eubank was prosecuted after he was filmed by CyclingMikey driving through a red light.
