PREDICTION
The clock is ticking on Degale’s career, but can Eubank capitalise? Writes
We analyse the super-middleweight grudge match and pick a winner
HOW much does James Degale have left? The answer to this question will determine the outcome of his super-middleweight grudge match with Chris Eubank Jnr this Saturday (February 23) at the O2 Arena in Greenwich.
A 2008 Olympic gold medallist and former two-time IBF champion, Degale at his best is a slick, switch-hitting stylist. Boasting intelligent footwork and head movement, the predominantly southpaw operator thrusts out long jabs, backed up by a wide variety of attacks unleashed from unorthodox angles. Curving hooks, driving uppercuts, looping overhand lefts and educated body shots are weaved together by the Harlesden technician to form freeflowing combinations.
While Degale, 25-2-1 (15), is still capable of demonstrating these attributes, the consistency with which he does so has lessened in recent years. After a long and distinguished career, the battles of the past have inevitably begun to catch up with the 33-year-old. Injuries have become more frequent. Fights have become more gruelling. Opponents he once would have comfortably dealt with – like the decent but unspectacular Caleb Truax – are now dragging him into the trenches.
Although some of the flashier aspects of his game have been dimmed by the passage of time, other qualities – previously not in the spotlight – have been illuminated. As his legs have slowed, Degale has proved himself to be a true warrior with grit, heart and an admirable capacity to soak up punishment. Coincidentally, these traits – being tough, game and possessing a solid chin – are what Eubank is well known for. The aggressive Brightonian’s speed, strength and fitness have never been in doubt. What has been questioned, though, is his technical ability and unconventional training set-up.
In both of his losses – to Billy Joe Saunders (sd 12 – Nov 2014) and George Groves (ud 12 – Feb 2018) – Eubank’s flaws were exposed by well-schooled rivals. Against Groves in particular, he simply marched forward impulsively, following his adversary around rather than attempting to cut off the space in a calculated manner. His quick jab can be a useful weapon, but he has regularly been guilty of neglecting this and the fundamentals of the sport. Instead, he has relied on his athleticism to get him through, which, against a certain style and calibre of opposition, is not enough. In recently hiring a full-time trainer (Nate Vasquez) for the first time, Eubank, 27-2 (21), has seemingly acknowledged that a change in approach is necessary.
Eubank encountered issues with Groves’ jab, footwork (eliciting wild swings and misses), counter-punching power and physicality, in addition to being hindered by a badly cut eye. While Degale’s jab is good, it is not as forceful as Groves’. And although he often finds a second wind when required, he has a dangerous habit of retreating to the ropes when the pace takes its toll. Furthermore, the potency of his punches is not as pronounced as that of Groves, nor is he as physically powerful. Eubank will take confidence from this.
If Degale can make the ring big and frustrate Eubank with his superior skillset, a points victory is all but his. However, if he is forced into a war of attrition, as was the case against the burly Badou Jack (d md 12 – Jan 2017) and Truax (l md 12 – Dec 2017 & w ud 12 – Apr 2018), the advantage lies with Eubank, who is sturdier, more robust and has less miles on the clock. At this stage of Degale’s career, the second scenario is more likely, so expect a bloody, rugged affair.
When previewing the Groves-eubank clash, I predicted that Eubank would come out on top, believing – incorrectly, so it turned out – that the younger man would prove too strong, energetic and vigorous for his seasoned, battle-scarred foe. Although I have had my fingers burned by Eubank before, and at the risk that Degale could ‘do a Groves’ on the 29-year-old, the pick once again is for Eubank to triumph. He will ship his fair share of punishment along the way, but ultimately the relentless pressure he applies will grind his enemy down. With fast, spiteful salvoes ripping into Degale, and hurtful hooks and uppercuts thudding off his head and torso, the referee will be forced to intervene in the final third of this 12-rounder.
THE VERDICT A must-win fight for both men – it is difficult to see where the loser would go next.