Podcast Summary: The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett Episode: Chris Eubank Jr: I Was Paid $** For The Fight! The Night Before, My Dad Finally Opened Up!** Release Date: May 8, 2025

In this compelling episode of "The Diary Of A CEO", host Steven Bartlett engages in a heartfelt and revealing conversation with renowned boxer Chris Eubank Jr. They delve deep into the emotional and physical challenges Chris faced leading up to his memorable fight against Conor Benn, the strained relationship with his father, personal tragedies, and his plans for the future.

Fight Experience and Performance

Chris Eubank Jr. opens up about the intense moments post-fight, detailing his hospitalization and the critical decisions made on the brink of life-threatening circumstances.

[00:00] Chris Eubank Jr.: "You're the first person I've really spoken to about this type of stuff. I was in hospital after the fight... thinking, this is so bad. Get me the morphine."

Reflecting on his performance, Chris acknowledges his technical prowess in the early rounds but admits to struggles once physical and emotional restrictions took their toll.

[00:29] Chris Eubank Jr.: "I was technically sound for the first, second, seven rounds, but once the cut came, I was experiencing all the things that had been restricting me leading up to the fight."

He emphasizes the necessity of fighting through personal demons to give his all, transcending the technical aspects of boxing.

[01:06] Chris Eubank Jr.: "We are going to war."

Strained Relationship with His Father

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Chris's tumultuous relationship with his father, Chris Eubank Sr. The two had been estranged for years, with societal and professional pressures exacerbating their distance.

[01:10] Chris Eubank Jr.: "I sent him a letter and that broke him."

Chris reveals that his decision to pursue his own path in boxing, independent of his father's influence, led to deep-seated tensions. However, the night before the fight marked a turning point where his father decided to support him, leading to an emotional reconciliation.

[20:55] Chris Eubank Jr.: "But no, you know, it's something that, you know, I've never ... and I've never spoken about it. He started smoking marijuana... that caused an even bigger gap between us, which we never recovered from up until last weekend."

Personal Struggles and Tragedies

Beyond professional conflicts, Chris shares the profound impact of personal tragedies, including the loss of his brother, Sebastian, which further strained his relationship with his father and affected his mental health.

[45:09] Chris Eubank Jr.: "I'm not 100% sure, but he drowned. He drowned in Dubai... Something happened with his heart."

Chris candidly discusses how these events reshaped his outlook on life, instilling a deeper appreciation for his loved ones and fueling his determination in the ring.

[42:41] Chris Eubank Jr.: "There is a picture. There was a picture of him on my shorts... I can't look at that picture and lose. It's impossible."

Mental and Physical Challenges Ahead of the Fight

The conversation delves into the demanding aspects of weight cutting and rehydration restrictions imposed before the fight, which significantly impacted Chris's physical state and performance.

[49:48] Chris Eubank Jr.: "I have to make the weight, which is, you know, it's doable. It gets harder as you get older... it's torture."

Chris critiques the rehydration restrictions, arguing they detract from athletes' performances and well-being.

[52:27] Chris Eubank Jr.: "There should have been no rehydration restriction in the first place."

Future Fights and Rematch Plans

Looking ahead, Chris expresses enthusiasm for a potential rematch with Conor Benn, confident that his experiences from the first fight and renewed support from his father will enhance his performance.

[79:07] Chris Eubank Jr.: "I fought him. I've lived with him for 12 rounds... I can practice, perfect, tweak, tailor my performance to take advantage of his weaknesses."

He also discusses potential matches with other prominent fighters like Canelo Alvarez and Billy Joe Saunders, highlighting his readiness and strategic approach to future bouts.

Emotional Impact and Public Perception

Chris reflects on the emotional resonance of his fight, noting how it transcended boxing to touch on universal themes of family and perseverance. The presence of his father brought a profound moment of unity that left a lasting impression on fans worldwide.

[06:39] Chris Eubank Jr.: "Nobody thought it was going to happen. I didn't think it was going to happen. So seeing that, you know, that's not boxing, that is. That's love."

Walkout and Symbolic Moments

The episode highlights the iconic walkout to the song "Simply the Best," orchestrated to signify the reconciliation and newfound respect between Chris and his father. This moment underscored the emotional depth of the event, making it a historic and unforgettable experience for spectators.

[83:46] Chris Eubank Jr.: "It's a beautiful moment that I never thought would happen, that wouldn't have happened if it was just Simply the Best... It worked perfectly with the whole scene."

Confrontations and Future Opportunities

Discussing interactions with other figures in boxing, Chris voices his disdain for Billy Joe Saunders, criticizing his past with doping tests and expressing a desire to set the record straight in future encounters.

[89:07] Chris Eubank Jr.: "Billy Joe is a drug cheat too... I would love to get my hands on him because he does have a win over me that I don't believe he deserves."

Personal Growth and Legacy

Throughout the discussion, Chris emphasizes his commitment to personal growth, responsibility, and the enduring legacy he aims to build both inside and outside the ring. His journey reflects a blend of resilience, introspection, and dedication to overcoming adversity.

[56:36] Chris Eubank Jr.: "Boxing is a lifestyle... It is a lifetime of dedication and sacrifice, which is why I never gave up going through all the things I was going through leading up to this fight."

Closing Reflections

In the closing segments, Chris shares his appreciation for the support received and reiterates his dedication to the sport and his fans. The conversation concludes on a note of anticipation for what lies ahead in his boxing career.

[105:19] Chris Eubank Jr.: "This is my Jam right here. Yeah, I guess that would be the album."

Notable Quotes:

• Chris Eubank Jr. [00:29]: "I was technically sound for the first, second, seven rounds... we are going to war."

• Chris Eubank Jr. [20:55]: "But no, you know, it's something that... he started smoking marijuana..."

• Chris Eubank Jr. [45:09]: "I'm not 100% sure, but he drowned... Something happened with his heart."

• Chris Eubank Jr. [49:48]: "I have to make the weight... it's torture."

• Chris Eubank Jr. [83:46]: "It's a beautiful moment that I never thought would happen..."

• Chris Eubank Jr. [89:07]: "Billy Joe is a drug cheat too... I would love to get my hands on him."

This episode offers listeners an intimate glimpse into Chris Eubank Jr.'s life, exploring the interplay between his personal struggles and professional triumphs. Through candid discussions and powerful reflections, Chris illustrates the resilience and determination that define his journey as a boxer and as an individual.