James DeGale vs Chris Eubank Jr: A fight that comes too late for two boxers living in the past

This bout has become a fight between a man on the cusp of retirement and a fighter who has proved he'll never be able to cut it at the highest level

When James DeGale and Chris Eubank Jr take to the ring tonight in London, the prevailing feeling will inevitably be one of poor timing – regardless of the result. Eighteen months ago, this would have been a supremely interesting fight between a world champion and a prospect who had still yet to show all their weapons and potential in the ring.

But now, with 2019 taunting everyone with its speed and gore, it has become a fight between a man on the cusp of retirement and a fighter who has proved he'll never be able to cut it at the highest level.

Despite a career that has been filled with success, few fighters have consistently failed to appeal to fans like James DeGale. An Olympic gold medal, a world title and a slew of good opponents has never been enough for the Londoner to achieve notable support, and with his world title career having been exposed in a brace-of-bouts against Caleb Truax, tonight’s fight may be his last chance to receive the adulation he has always craved.

Following his gold medal success at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, DeGale was booed on his professional debut in early 2009 and was very much the villain against George Groves in their 2011 battle. He rallied back from the Groves setback to win the IBF super middleweight title against Andre Dirrell in 2015.

When DeGale outpointed Lucian Bute later that year, he was on the cusp of becoming a genuine fan-favourite, but a laboured win over Rogelio Medina and a disjointed draw with Badou Jack killed his momentum, before his loss to Truax in December 2017. DeGale has suffered a slew of injuries throughout his career and claimed he came back too early from shoulder surgery when he fought Truax, although he narrowly won the rematch before giving up his IBF belt.

After another win over a journeyman late last year, DeGale now fights Eubank with the intention of staying relevant in the super middleweight division, but the weaknesses he has shown in recent fights have led many to believe his best days are behind him.

The trouble with James DeGale is that you never really believe that he truly believes what he's saying. Every comment seems authentic, but with zero nuance or belief. If you're a regular player of James DeGale bingo, all of the numbers have been ticked off in the build-up over the past few weeks. DeGale has learnt from his lessons, he's injury free and fitter than ever. The trouble is, we've heard it all before, and while they may be accurate, the fact remains that he hasn't looked impressive in the ring for over three years and has begun to show vulnerabilities that could be disastrous for a reflex-led fighter.

Is Chris Eubank Jr the man to expose those flaws? A year ago, many would have thought so. But after a performance against Groves which was one of the most amateurish performances seen in a major world title fight, it's almost impossible to say yes.

Eubank is the anti-DeGale in many ways. His mannerisms are calculated, and he genuinely believes, even after such a severe defeat to Groves, that he is one of the best fighters on the planet. A cerebral belief in his routine has for once changed just a little, with the addition of trainer Nate Vasquez to the team.

Still, though, habits are hard to change over a lifetime, let alone a year. This is still very much the Jr show, even with his own father doubting the credentials and chances of his son heading into this fight.

Despite previous beat downs of the likes of Arthur Abraham, Spike O'Sullivan, Nick Blackwell and Avni Yildirim, the theories remain that he remains an Instagram fighter, rather than a bona fide boxer.

It's hard to shake the feeling though that this fight just isn't worth the money tonight. £20 is a lot of money, especially in the opening months of the year, and this fight just doesn't offer value. Without context, without meaning, a fight becomes quite depressing, and though the build-up has been fairly entertaining, a soulless cash-out doesn't quite whet the senses.

Feasting on the ghost of DeGale is going to prove nothing, whether it's a quick knockout or an extended points victory (Action Images via Reuters)

If DeGale wins, so what? He's still lost the skills that made him world class, and with the recent retirement of Groves, who is left that would be exciting to see him against? Callum Smith would destroy him. Billy Joe Saunders would box rings around him, so where else is he to go?

The same for Eubank. He's already proved that against a fit fighter with good fundamentals and even a semblance of counter-attacking he has no idea what he's doing. Feasting on the ghost of DeGale is going to prove nothing, whether it's a quick knockout or an extended points victory.

As such, it’s likely tonight’s encounter will be one of those fights that fades into irrelevance almost immediately after it’s ended.