Chris Eubank Jr dazzled and dominated as he produced a sparkling performance to beat bitter rival Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan on the undercard at the 02 Arena on Saturday night.
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The 26-year-old forced the Irishman to quit after seven rounds and demonstrated his full repertoire of punches, landing right uppercuts and left hooks at will.
O’Sullivan, who had tried to kiss Eubank Jr during their face off at the weigh in, showed a granite chin and great courage after his counterpart landed with big smackers of his own.
“It was very satisfying,” said Eubank Jr of his win over an opponent he had exchanged insults over social media with for several years. “To be in the position I am now – ready to fight for the WBA world title is a dream come true.
Congradulations @ChrisEubankJr and team Eubank the better man won tonight credit to you and good luck in life and with your career
— Gary Spike OSullivan (@spike_osullivan) December 13, 2015
“This is just a stepping stone to bigger and better things. I want everyone who has a world title. I will take all comers.
It’s clear that showboating and an appreciation for showbusiness is in the Eubank genes. While he isn’t as outspoken as his father and his style of speaking is less remarkable, there is a ruthless edge to Eubank Jr that accompanies the customary Eubank posturing at the bells and the regular flash shuffle of the feet.
He came out flying in the first two rounds peppering the Cork man with an array of uppercuts and hooks. O’Sullivan stood up, though, and came back swinging in the third but despite wobbling him with a big right hand it was all Eubank Jr from there.
After the seventh round in which O’Sullivan’s punch output dropped markedly, the fight was rightly called off by his cornermen.
Also at the O2 Arena, Essex lightweight Kevin Mitchell was stopped in the fifth round by Venezuela’s Ismael Barroso. Mitchell has some tough decisions to make about his future after suffering his fourth defeat in 43 pro encounters, all by knockout.
Also on the bill, Tony Bellew outpointed Poland’s Mateusz Masternak to secure the European cruiserweight title and climb back into world title contention.
