‘Simply the Best’ had an incredible career that allowed Chris Eubank to show his longevity and change British boxing forever.
A former multi-weight world champion, Eubank provided boxing fans with countless memories throughout his 13-year career.
From Eubank scoring 20-second knockouts to defeating Nigel Benn, the great has a lengthy highlight reel.
Hanging up his gloves in 1998, Eubank was not able to leave the sport on a high note. Suffering the fifth defeat of his career, Eubank was stopped for the first time in his career.
Chris Eubank lost his rematch to Carl Thompson via retirement
After Eubank lost to WBO World Cruiserweight champion Carl Thompson in April 1998, he looked to get revenge for the narrow defeat. The two would meet again in Sheffield three months later, as Eubank had a second opportunity to become a three-division champion.
‘Simply the Best’ had not been a champion since 1995, after Eubank lost to Steve Collins in Ireland.
Aiming to right his wrong against Thompson, Eubank got off to a good start against the champion. After nine completed rounds, he was ahead on the scorecards.
However, damage to the left eye of Eubank began to accumulate throughout the fight. In the ninth round, the eye was seemingly completely closed.
Despite having a relatively good showing in the round despite his injuries, it would be the last moments of Eubank’s career.
Following the conclusion of the round, the doctor inspected the eye of the former champion. Due to the visible damage to the eye, the fight was stopped, and Thompson was announced the winner.
It was the first time in 52 fights that Eubank was stopped in his career. However, he was clearly displeased with the stoppage.
Chris Eubank scored back-to-back knockouts in final wins of his career
Following his second loss to Collins, Eubank took a step down in competition to get himself back into the win column.
One year on from the rematch with the Irishman, Eubank would return to the ring in October 1996. In his comeback fight, he would take on Luis Dionisio Barrera (35-8-4) in Egypt. The bout would end in the fifth round, as Eubank scored a knockout.
In March 1997, Eubank would get his second successive win. Facing Camilo Alarcon (13-2), he would defeat the fighter in Dubai with a fifth-round stoppage.
The back-to-back wins set up a fight with Joe Calzaghe for the vacant WBO World Super Middleweight title. Despite Eubank exhausting Calzaghe, he would be defeated by decision. He would then go on to have his fight series with Thompson.