Chris Eubank Jr has revealed the current status of his relationship with his father in a candid interview, stating, “We are not cool.” Eubank Jr, who was previously mentored by his father, a renowned figure in British boxing, disclosed that Chris Sr has not been actively involved in his son’s boxing career since 2019.
The rift between the father and son became more apparent when Chris Sr expressed disapproval of Eubank Jr’s proposed match against Conor Benn in 2022. The fight was ultimately cancelled after Benn failed two drug tests. Interestingly, the potential Eubank Jr vs Benn showdown still lingers, as Benn aims to make a comeback following his suspension this month.
In a recent conversation with Uncrowned, Eubank Jr expressed his desire for his father to be part of the lead-up to the speculated fight, saying, “I would love for him to be involved. The fact that I even have to say that is insane.” However, he highlighted that their current lack of communication and his father’s apparent disinterest in his career have created a notable chasm between them.
Eubank Jr delved into the personal struggles his father has been facing, acknowledging that Chris Sr is contending with his inner demons and has chosen to distance himself from his son’s life. Despite attempts to reach out, Eubank Jr admitted that the communication from his father has been sporadic and minimal, leaving him to focus on his own path and ambitions in boxing.
Reflecting on the loss of his brother Sebastian in 2021 and his uncle Simon in 2023, Eubank Jr emphasised the emotional toll of his father’s withdrawal from their relationship, remarking, “As somebody who’s lost a son, I think that’s a pretty insane thing [for my dad] to be doing.” He expressed a blend of hope and resignation, waiting for a potential reconnection in the future.
Eubank Jr’s assertion that their relationship is strained and the lack of recent communication from his father following his victory over Kamil Szeremeta in Saudi Arabia underscore the depth of the father-son discord. Despite the challenges, Eubank Jr remains steadfast in his pursuit of his boxing career and personal growth, indicating that he cannot let familial issues detract from his focus and determination.
The openness displayed by Chris Eubank Jr regarding his complex relationship with his father sheds light on the multifaceted dynamics within their family, resonating with those navigating similar challenges in personal relationships.