Ahead of this Saturday’s super middleweight fight between former titleholder James DeGale and Chris Eubank Jr., the two fighters held their final press conference, which can be viewed in full above. Check out some excerpts of what the two rivals had to say before they clash this weekend.
DeGale on vacating his world title for fights like this:
“Yes, it was...Al Haymon came with a choice and I went with this. Chris Eubank been calling my name for a long time...finally I get the chance to punch him in his face and deal with this guy good and proper.
On if he’s gained any respect for Eubank Jr. over their press run:
“No. No, no, no, no...the guy’s a deluded idiot. I can’t deal with him...You’re a deluded moron, bruv, you are pathetic — honestly. And on Saturday night I can’t wait to deal with you...it’s all dawned on him. The retirement fight is here. He’s finished. This is his last fight. I promise you that. He’s gonna get a schooling.”
Eubank Jr. on his response to DeGale’s comments:
“What can I say, they guy is — he’s a clown. He talks a good game but at the end of the day we all know what’s gonna happen...at the end of the day I’m gonna be too much for him.”
Eubank Jr. on if this could be it for him if he loses this fight:
“We’re both on the edge. We’re both at a stage now where a loss — we can’t lose. That’s why this fight is so exciting to watch, because it’s two fighters fighting for their careers. I’m just happy to be in a position where I know he’s not gonna be able to handle the heat, and he’s going into that ring unsure, he’s going into the ring thinking ‘ok, can I survive?’ And the answer is absolutely not...
“I’m gonna box your head off, you’re gonna be begging to quit.”
DeGale on any possible improvements Eubank Jr. may have made since employing a trainer and his supreme confidence:
“You would think that after the Groves loss you’d be humbled a little bit...” DeGale started.
“You’d think after the Truax loss you’d be humble,” Eubank Jr. retorted.
“Me, I’m proven, you idiot” DeGale shot back. “I’ve been there, I’ve done it, I’ve won everything. I’ve won everything, Chris. You are an idiot! You’ve done nothing. I’m gonna retire you.”