‘Simply the Best’ Chris Eubank was often capable of living up to his nickname, giving amazing performances.
The former world champion was a force to be reckoned with throughout the 1990s, a period that would see his incredible fight series with Nigel Benn occur.
Claiming the WBO World Middleweight title against his rival Benn in 1990, Eubank would defend the title twice before moving up a weight class.
Successfully winning the vacant WBO World Super Middleweight title against Michael Watson in 1991, he would hold the title for almost four years.
Despite Eubank’s draw with Benn, and another with Ray Close, it would be a shock loss that would eventually see him lose his super middleweight crown.
Chris Eubank took on Steve Collins in 1995 in Ireland
In March of 1995, Eubank would welcome Irish fighter Steve Collins to challenge for his WBO World Super Middleweight title in Cork, Ireland. The pair fought at the Green Glens Arena in Millstreet.
Collins had a record of 28-3 going into the fight and was largely considered an underdog for the title against Eubank, who had an undefeated 41-0-2 record.
However, Collins would have an incredible performance, winning the bout throughout 12 rounds via unanimous decision. One of the major talking points of the fight would come in round eight when Eubank was put down by a straight punch to the midsection.
Although Eubank was able to score a knockdown of his own in the 10th round, it was not enough to retain his title. Not only would the British fighter lose his title, but he would also taste defeat for the first time as a professional.
Years after the bout, Eubank would admit that Collins got in his head prior to the fight, affecting his performance.
Chris Eubank was unable to get his revenge on Steve Collins
Despite the shock nature of Collins’ win over Eubank, the two did not have an immediate rematch. Fighting two more times in 1995, Eubank would earn two first-round stoppage wins before rematching Collins.
Six months after their first meeting, Eubank and Collins would once again meet in Cork, Ireland. This time fighting in Pairc Ui Chaoimh, Eubank attempted to regain his world champion status.
However, it was not to be for Eubank.
The bout would once again go all 12 rounds for the WBO World Super Middleweight title. Although Eubank won on one judge’s scorecard, the other two would score it for the Irishman, allowing him to retain his title via split decision.