How the bookies are calling Chris Eubank Jr. v Arthur Abraham
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Chris Eubank Jr. is back in action this weekend as he defends his IBO super middleweight belt against former middleweight kingpin, Arthur Abraham.
The fight represents, arguably, the biggest bout Eubank Jr. has taken on since his pro debut against fellow Briton, Billy Joe Saunders.
He was defeated that night, however, the precocious talent has remain unbeaten since with some very impressive victories including vicious stoppages of Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan and Nick Blackwell.
Abraham represents a step up in class, though, so we asked boxing trader Tommy Young to give us his pre-fight predictions…
Ladbrokes News: What are your initial thoughts on the match-up between Eubank Jr. and Abraham?
Tommy Young: This will be Eubank’s first defence of the IBO super middleweight title he won he won in February and, without doubt, represents his toughest challenge since his only career loss against Billy Joe Saunders back in 2014.
Arthur Abraham was the IBF middleweight champion for almost four years before moving up to super middle, becoming one of the top dogs in that division.
It’s important to remember the quality Abraham has been in the ring with over the years. He’s been up against the likes of Jermain Taylor, Andre Dirrell, Carl Froch and Andre Ward.
LN: Isn’t Abraham looking a bit long in the tooth now, though?
TY: Yeah I think you could say that. Time is definitely catching up with Abraham at this stage.
He looked pretty poor in victory over Martin Murray and followed that up by losing the WBO title to Gilberto Ramirez in a complete shut out.
Back to back wins since then show there’s still something left in the old dog yet, but as the odds of 1/6 suggest, probably not enough to take a hungry Eubank Jr.
LN: How do you see the fight panning out on Saturday night?
TY: The way I see the fight panning out is a slow start for the first couple of rounds then Eubank Jr. will grow into the fight using his superior hand speed to dominate Abraham.
Eubank is also supremely fit and so the further into the fight it goes the more he should get on top and dominate, eventually taking a wide points victory and maybe even forcing a stoppage late on.
LN: So, basically, Abraham has no chance?
TY: I wouldn’t say the fight is a completely forgone conclusion. Abraham is the bigger hitter and has more power than anyone Eubank has faced before.
If the German does land it could cause Jr. problems. This will be Eubank’s problem if he continues to campaign at super middleweight. Frankly, he’s just not a big guy for the weight.
LN: Finally, what are your best bets for the fight?
TY: My bets are Eubank Jr to win in rounds 10-12 @ 5/1 and on the undercard – which is very strong – Anthony Cacace to beat Martin J Ward @ 5/4.
Agree with Tommy?
Let us know in the comments section below!
And click here for the latest Chris Eubank Jr. v Arthur Abraham odds
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
