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Chris Eubank Jr. Opens Up About His Grief, Living In His Father's Shadow & His Future | E159
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Chris Eubank Jr. is a boxer on his way to being the best in the world. A journey into boxing like no other, Chris didn’t just have to step out of the shadows of his own demons to make his name in the ring, but out of the shadow of his own father. Topics: 00:00 Intro 01:42 Where did your discipline & strength come from? 10:09 Why I never give up 19:02 What made you different from everyone else? 28:16 Are you emotional? 35:40 Have you spoken to your dad about emotions? 42:19 The death of your brother & how it changed you 52:08 Keeping relationships private 54:42 Boxing and its health implications 01:01:09 Anxiety & online trolls 01:10:21 What’s next for you 01:13:13 Our last guest’s question Chris: https://twitter.com/chriseubankjr https://www.instagram.com/chriseubankjr/ Listen on: Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-diary-of-a-ceo-by-steven-bartlett/id1291423644 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7iQXmUT7XGuZSzAMjoNWlX FOLLOW ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steven/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SteveBartlettSC Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-bartlett-56986834/ Sponsor: BlueJeans - https://www.bluejeans.com/ Huel - https://my.huel.com/Steven Crafted - https://bit.ly/3JKOPFx
Segments Timeline
Living in His Father's Shadow
Chris Eubank Jr. reflects on the challenges of growing up as the son of a boxing legend. He shares how he struggled to carve out his own identity and the pressures he faced from both his father's legacy and societal expectations. This segment sets the stage for understanding his journey in boxing and personal growth.
"i don't do a lot of interviews like this so there's not a lot of people that do get to see this side of me chris eubank jr the biggest fight of his life growing up i was always chris eubank son a lot ..."
The Turning Point
Chris recounts a pivotal moment in his life when he faced a gang threat at school, which led him to bring a baseball bat to school. This incident marked a significant turning point, shaping his path towards boxing and self-discipline. It highlights the struggles he faced and the choices that defined his character.
"um a man named nick blackwell he got taken to hospital he actually died on the way to hospital he had to revive him with an adrenaline shot those types of incidents are what put things into perspectiv..."
The Pain of Loss
In this emotional segment, Chris opens up about the devastating loss of his brother. He shares the regret of not visiting him before his passing and how this tragedy profoundly impacted his life and perspective on family and relationships. This moment reveals the depth of his grief and the emotional weight he carries.
"where did that come from in you and is that something you saw in all of your siblings i always had that very competitive uh personality you know and before i found boxing i was heavy into sports in sc..."
The Influence of His Father
Chris discusses his father's unconventional approach to his boxing career, including the initial resistance to allow him to train. He reflects on how his father's protective instincts shaped his journey and the eventual realization of his own passion for the sport. This segment explores the complex father-son dynamic in the context of boxing.
"you couldn't get anything more intense more hardcore more pure than two guys putting gloves on getting into the ring and and going until somebody can't go anymore did you have that from your dad at al..."
The Drive to Compete
Chris shares his innate competitive spirit and how it fueled his passion for sports and ultimately boxing. He emphasizes the importance of mental strength in the ring and how his background, despite being privileged, motivated him to prove himself. This segment highlights the psychological aspects of being a fighter.
"when i was younger i remember my older brothers could all eat really spicy food and remember someone saying to me at the table maybe one of my brothers maybe my mum she was like don't give that to ste..."
Mental Strength in Boxing
In this segment, Chris elaborates on the mental fortitude required to succeed in boxing. He discusses the psychological challenges fighters face, including the pressure of performing in front of large audiences and the need for resilience. This insight into the mental game of boxing is crucial for understanding what it takes to be a champion.
"they can't pay the bills um so that's what fuels them to to make it they have no choice uh whereas me i had i have many choices so in a way i see it as i i see it as actually more of a an accomplishme..."
Overcoming Adversity
Chris recounts a challenging sparring experience in Cuba that tested his limits. He describes the moment he had to decide whether to continue fighting despite being outmatched and injured. This story illustrates his determination and the lessons learned about perseverance and self-belief in the face of adversity.
"of being able to be a great fire is is this and a lot of people don't realize that or don't know that it is in my opinion i don't know 70 80 mental you know the balls and the the grit that you have to..."
Defining Moments in the Ring
Chris reflects on the significance of his experiences in the ring, particularly the moments that shaped his identity as a fighter. He discusses how these experiences contribute to his personal philosophy and the importance of not giving up, even when faced with overwhelming challenges. This segment emphasizes the transformative power of boxing.
"someone that didn't have it i've seen fighters improve you know i've seen fighters over the years become more confident and in their abilities and you know that does transfer for that just transfer ov..."
Creating a Personal Philosophy
In this introspective segment, Chris connects his boxing experiences to broader life lessons. He discusses how the challenges he faced in the ring have influenced his personal philosophy and approach to life. This reflection on resilience and self-identity resonates beyond boxing, offering insights applicable to various life situations.
"um in cuba they have this thing called technical sparring which i had never done and i never did ever again until maybe up like two years ago but technical sparring is basically um you're sparring but..."
Facing Fear: The Fight Within
Chris Eubank Jr. shares a pivotal moment in his boxing career where he faced a daunting opponent. He reflects on the importance of not quitting and how that experience shaped his mental resilience. Eubank emphasizes that true strength comes from confronting fears and taking on challenges head-on, which has become a cornerstone of his personal philosophy.
"because i said i was gonna do the three rounds i said i would bar him three rounds i'm not leaving this gym with everybody knowing that i quit why not why not because uh i couldn't i couldn't live wit..."
Crafting Your Personal Story
In this segment, Chris discusses the concept of creating a personal narrative through challenges. He draws parallels between his experiences in the ring and personal struggles, emphasizing the significance of perseverance. Eubank highlights how the choices we make in difficult moments define our character and influence our self-identity.
"something really interesting which i i gained from that which is like we basically create a personal like philosophy or story with ourselves and in that moment when you're looking up at stepping back ..."
The Treadmill Test: Pushing Limits
Chris Eubank Jr. uses the metaphor of running on a treadmill to illustrate the importance of pushing through discomfort. He explains how training sessions test his resolve and how overcoming physical challenges translates to mental strength. This segment underscores the idea that perseverance in training prepares him for the pressures of competition.
"minutes on the thing so i'm on i'm on 32 minutes the cramp starts going you're on the treadmill yeah you got you got eight minutes to go and i'm i'm running like this now but i'm not getting off the t..."
Conquering Inner Demons
Eubank delves into the psychological aspect of boxing, discussing the 'demons' that can undermine confidence. He stresses the importance of maintaining a strong mindset to combat self-doubt and external pressures. This segment highlights how mental fortitude is crucial for success in both sports and life.
"you'll find a way it doesn't matter who's watching you know you know because yeah no one's around right now so no one would know if you took that break but what happens when you're in a situation wher..."
Defining Success on Your Terms
Chris reflects on his journey in boxing and the pressure of living up to his father's legacy. He emphasizes the importance of self-definition and focusing on personal goals rather than comparisons with others. This segment captures Eubank's determination to carve out his own identity in the boxing world.
"what it is uh that's in front of me what it is whether it's mental whether it's spiritual whether it's physical um i always make sure i come out on top one of the ways we learn about who we are and i ..."
The Weight of Expectations
In this segment, Chris discusses the challenges of being known as Chris Eubank's son and the expectations that come with it. He shares his drive to establish his own reputation and legacy in boxing, highlighting the internal and external pressures he faced. Eubank's narrative illustrates the struggle for individuality in a shadowed legacy.
"the character traits the attributes what is it i've always had a strong mind i've always had a strong soul i've always known what i wanted to do uh and that i was never gonna stop until i did it um i ..."
Fighting for Personal Recognition
Chris Eubank Jr. talks about his motivation to prove himself in the boxing ring, not just as a fighter but as an individual. He reflects on the competitive spirit that drives him to surpass his father's achievements. This segment emphasizes the importance of personal ambition and the desire to be recognized for one's own accomplishments.
"you know it's a good question i mean i guess that you know i guess that competitive uh soul inside of me maybe wanting to see if i could be better than what my dad was see if i could be better than th..."
The Journey of Self-Improvement
Eubank shares insights on focusing on self-improvement rather than comparing himself to others. He discusses the importance of setting personal goals and the dedication required to achieve them. This segment highlights the mindset necessary for growth and success in any field.
"not by focusing on other people and i think that that goes for you know any industry if you if you're constantly looking at other people and what they're doing and you know why they made it or why the..."
Navigating Public Perception
Chris reflects on his early career and the role of his father in managing public relations. He discusses how he learned to handle media attention and the importance of presenting a positive image. This segment sheds light on the complexities of fame and the impact of public perception on personal identity.
"up over the years until you know until i had made my own name and made my own uh path um my father's always been there he's always been there to support me and guide me i think he's now taking a back ..."
Evolving as a Public Figure
In this segment, Chris Eubank Jr. discusses his growth as a public figure and the importance of connecting with fans. He shares how he learned to balance his serious nature with the need to engage positively with the public. This highlights the evolution of his persona from a focused fighter to a relatable athlete.
"middle of a press conference and do some poetry or or talk [ __ ] to my opponent or he had to he just that's just who he is um and early on i actually didn't mind it because i was so hell-bent on just..."
The Power of Positive Energy
Chris emphasizes the significance of positive interactions with fans and the ripple effect of good energy. He discusses how every encounter can influence public perception and personal karma. This segment reinforces the idea that kindness and positivity can have lasting impacts on both personal and professional relationships.
"now that i am you know where i am in the sport uh that isn't needed you know i'm 32 years old now i can't have another man at my press conferences speaking on my behalf it's just this it's just not go..."
Breaking the Stone-Faced Image
Eubank reflects on his serious demeanor in early public appearances and how it affected his image. He discusses the importance of being approachable and the lessons learned about connecting with fans. This segment highlights the transformation from a focused fighter to a more personable public figure.
"no i just i was just so serious i was just so obsessed with boxing like and for me when i'm in the fight i don't play you know some guys you know they they walk they walk in into the ring you know man..."
The Balance of Fighter and Person
Chris discusses the challenge of separating his identity as a fighter from his personal life. He shares insights on how he learned to be more relatable outside the ring while maintaining his competitive edge. This segment captures the duality of being a professional athlete and a public figure.
"i i wasn't smiling i was a serious dude now as you get older you you know you understand you can't you can't be like that around normal citizens because it's it's it's just weird you know you you have..."
Legacy and Lasting Impressions
In this closing segment, Chris Eubank Jr. reflects on the importance of leaving a positive legacy through interactions with fans. He emphasizes how every encounter contributes to his overall reputation and the stories that circulate about him. This segment encapsulates the idea that our actions and attitudes shape how we are remembered.
"is not just one encounter if you meet somebody you're actually meeting their friends their family their son their daughters you know that one person it's a spider web so that one person is actually a ..."
Unmasking Emotions: The Fighter's Dilemma
In this segment, Chris discusses the perception of him as unemotional and how it affects his relationships. He shares his experiences of being hard to read in romantic situations and reflects on his emotional upbringing. Eubank Jr. admits to having emotions but explains how he manages them, particularly in the boxing ring, where he believes emotional detachment is crucial for success.
"and becomes your karma it becomes how people treat you that you've never met before you know you really got to be aware of the power of your energy towards other people if if you give off bad vibes an..."
Father-Son Dynamics: A Strict Upbringing
Chris Eubank Jr. opens up about his relationship with his father, highlighting the strictness of his upbringing. He discusses the lack of emotional expression in their relationship and how it shaped his own emotional responses. Eubank Jr. acknowledges the respect and fear he had for his father, which influenced his development and approach to emotions.
"this is what i said i was gonna do this is what i've trained for for my whole life so yeah that's what happened um do you ever worry though that that's gonna get in your way a little bit in terms of e..."
Learning Affection: A Journey of Growth
In this segment, Chris reflects on his journey to learn affection and emotional expression as an adult. He shares how he struggled with relationships due to his emotional upbringing and how he has become more in touch with his feelings over the years. Eubank Jr. discusses the challenges he faced in understanding and expressing emotions, particularly in romantic contexts.
"affection relationships and emotions so i feel like i've become a little bit more emotional as i've gotten older you know before nothing could phase me you know doesn't matter what would happen nothin..."
The Consequences of Anger: A Close Call
Chris recounts a pivotal moment from his youth when he considered using violence to resolve a conflict. He reflects on the potential consequences of his actions and how that moment could have drastically altered his life trajectory. Eubank Jr. emphasizes the importance of self-control and the lessons learned from that experience, highlighting how it shaped his path in boxing.
"you know if i went into a sparring session i really didn't like the guy you know and i went out there and really tried to hurt him i'd actually hurt him less than if i was just cool calm cold and calc..."
A Moment of Reckoning
Chris Eubank Jr. recounts a pivotal moment from his youth when he considered violence in response to bullying. He reflects on the potential consequences of his actions and expresses gratitude for not having followed through, highlighting the importance of choices and the influence of his father's strict upbringing.
"i went into school with a baseball bat in in my gym bag so i have the gym bag so obviously no one can see it lunch bar rang went picked up my bag started walking across to the other school to find thi..."
The Impact of Loss
Eubank Jr. shares the emotional aftermath of his brother's tragic death, revealing how it has reshaped his perspective on life and relationships. He discusses the profound grief he experienced and how it has made him more empathetic towards others facing similar losses.
"uh everything that i learned going over to the states as as at 18 years old having my first amateur fights training with floyd mayweather and his father that would have all been washed away i would ha..."
Cherishing Memories
Chris reflects on the memories of his brother, emphasizing the importance of appreciating loved ones. He shares a touching story about a young trainer in Dubai who embodied generosity and kindness, further illustrating the impact of his brother's legacy through his newborn son.
"of your brother sebastian the first time i went to dubai i went to the gym there and there was a young guy there that came over and offered to train me and he trained me for about i think two weeks in..."
Confronting Mortality
Eubank Jr. discusses the shock of losing someone so healthy and vibrant, emphasizing the fragility of life. He shares his feelings of regret for not being able to attend his brother's funeral due to COVID-19, highlighting the urgency of cherishing family and loved ones.
"um and i never had to i've never dealt with anything like that in my life um i told you i'm not an emotional guy the last time i cried i said i was 12 years old but the day i found out i cried the who..."
Lessons from Grief
Chris reflects on the lessons learned from his brother's passing, emphasizing the importance of valuing relationships and not taking time for granted. He shares how this experience has changed his outlook on life and relationships, urging others to appreciate their loved ones.
"life and um you know it's just it's so crazy to to think that somebody that is so healthy you know like you said he's telling you about the superfoods and you know he trains every day you know peak ph..."
The Regret of Missed Opportunities
Eubank Jr. opens up about a significant regret: not visiting his brother during a layover in Dubai months before his death. He emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities to connect with loved ones, reinforcing the message that life is unpredictable.
"um it makes you think just like how before something that happens to you you hear about all that stuff on your news and to other people and you see it in movies and it's just like well whatever you kn..."
Appreciating Family
Chris discusses the importance of family and the lessons learned from his brother's death. He emphasizes the need to invest time in relationships and not take loved ones for granted, sharing his desire to have children and ensure they grow up close to his brother's son.
"in the muslim religion they have to bury him as quickly as possible um they couldn't wait i thank god that my family were able to go out i had to stay um you know i don't i don't believe in regrets um..."
Keeping Relationships Private
Eubank Jr. explains his decision to keep his romantic relationships private, citing the negative impact of social media on personal lives. He shares his belief that a private life is essential for maintaining healthy relationships, reflecting on the challenges of public scrutiny.
"you know and these things it just teaches you you've got to appreciate and you've gotta um you know you don't take anything for granted nothing is guaranteed you know the people you love be with them ..."
Health and Fitness Reflections
Chris reflects on his brother's approach to health and fitness and how it has influenced his own views on the sport of boxing. He discusses the fragility of health in the context of boxing and the importance of being mindful of one's well-being.
"the time i've got a million videos of him on my phone my my uh my brother's wife seb's wife salma she send me videos every day of raheem um they're coming over to england actually in uh in a month or ..."
The Importance of Privacy in Relationships
Chris Eubank Jr. discusses the significance of keeping his relationships private, emphasizing that public scrutiny can negatively impact personal happiness. He reflects on how people often try to undermine happiness, and he chooses to protect his private life to avoid external negativity.
"that but yeah i just i just don't i don't believe in mixing the two i don't i don't see any positives from it you know people see something if they see something if they see people happy some most peo..."
Health Risks in Boxing
Eubank Jr. reflects on the health implications of boxing, particularly after a tragic incident involving a fellow boxer. He shares how such experiences have made him more aware of the risks associated with the sport and the importance of not overstaying in boxing.
"it's good to hear i agree i'm not gay you talked a bit about um seb there and his approach to like health and fitness i actually looked back through my conversations with him before you came and all o..."
The Fragility of Health in Boxing
Chris Eubank Jr. opens up about the physical toll boxing takes as he ages. He discusses how injuries and memory recall issues have become more pronounced, highlighting the long-term effects of the sport on his health and mental acuity.
"you know i hear a lot of boxers talk about not overstaying their welcome tyson fury this weekend after he won the fight talked about that as well has that is that front of mind for you when you you th..."
Coping with Memory Loss
Eubank Jr. candidly shares his struggles with memory recall as he ages, noting that it takes him longer to remember names and details. He emphasizes the importance of mental exercises to keep his mind sharp and discusses the challenges of aging in a physically demanding sport.
"especially in boxing you you're affected more by the punishment you take i feel like when i was young it's like i could do anything and i never get hurt you know at 32 you know you pick up sick little..."
Mental Health and Happiness
Chris Eubank Jr. expresses gratitude for never experiencing anxiety or depression, attributing his happiness to a positive mindset. He discusses the importance of mental health awareness, especially among men, and how he manages negativity from online trolls.
"now i force myself to remember because it's like you're training your brain it's called recall so i'll i'll force myself if i'm if i you know i could easily just go on my phone and what was the name a..."
Dealing with Online Trolls
Eubank Jr. shares his experiences with online trolling and how it initially affected him. He explains how he learned to detach from negative comments and even found a way to appreciate the attention, recognizing that both fans and haters contribute to his success.
"maybe maybe that maybe that impact is is just it's just different i don't know i am so excited to announce our new sponsor for this podcast and that is blue jeans by verizon for any of you that aren't..."
The Role of Emotion in Boxing
Chris Eubank Jr. discusses the duality of being a hero or a villain in boxing, explaining how both roles attract attention and drive engagement. He reflects on how public perception can influence a boxer's career and the importance of evoking strong emotions in fans.
"right um and how there's been a lot of sort of generational changes around men expressing their feelings and one of the big changes i think i've seen in the last 10 years from 10 years ago when i was ..."
Embracing the Trolls
Chris Eubank Jr. shares his perspective on online trolls and negative comments, revealing how he transformed his initial worries into a profitable understanding of his role in boxing. He discusses the importance of being a character in the sport, explaining that both fans and haters contribute to his success by buying tickets and pay-per-view subscriptions. Eubank emphasizes that to succeed in boxing, one must evoke strong emotions, whether love or hate, to capture the audience's attention.
"i actually enjoy them you also must know that it's profitable for you absolutely mayweather taught us that absolutely yeah i mean in in boxing that's another that's another thing which made me stop wo..."
The Drive for More
In this segment, Chris Eubank Jr. reflects on his boxing career and expresses that he feels far from complete. He discusses his desire to capture more world titles and highlights the importance of maintaining a disciplined lifestyle to extend his career. Eubank emphasizes that despite his achievements, he has many more fights and accolades to pursue, indicating his commitment to becoming a legendary figure in boxing.
"um at the beginning most people were against me because they saw me as a gimmick as somebody was just trying to make a quick buck use my name to get a better profile have a few fights and then probabl..."
The Key to Happiness
Chris Eubank Jr. opens up about his philosophy on happiness, emphasizing the importance of positivity and supporting others. He shares that true happiness comes from being a good person and not comparing oneself to others. Eubank believes that projecting positivity leads to a fulfilling life, and he encourages listeners to help others as a means of helping themselves. This segment encapsulates his views on personal growth and emotional well-being.
"you know i've been a world champion at super middleweight i'm back down at middleweight now um and you know the the you know the map is wide open there's there's a lot of great fighters and they have ..."
A Different Side of Chris
In the closing moments of the podcast, Chris Eubank Jr. expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share his story and showcase a different side of himself beyond the boxing ring persona. He acknowledges that most people only see him as the tough fighter and appreciates the chance to reveal his thoughts and feelings. This segment highlights the importance of vulnerability and connection in understanding public figures.
"chris thank you for doing this it's been a huge honor and i can't wait to see what you do over the next couple of years in your money years in and outside of the ring and i thank you for giving me the..."