Chris Eubank Jr's ‘footwork was s***’ - EXCLUSIVE interview with trainer Nate Vasquez
CHRIS EUBANK JR had “s***” footwork throughout his first 29 professional fights, according to his trainer Nate Vasquez.
Eubank Jr had never employed a full-time trainer for the duration of his professional career until hooking up with Nate Vasquez last summer.
Ronnie Davies, who coached Chris Eubank Sr to two world titles, has been a long-term advisor to the Brightonian but cannot fulfil the physical demands of the role aged 72.
The legendary trainer will form part of the corner, alongside Vasquez, for the test of James DeGale tonight, but Eubank Sr will not be there.
Davies has often complained that Eubank Jr “never listens” to advice in the corner during fights, which was one of his main downfalls in the loss to George Groves last February.
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You've got to work on Chris' footwork because his footwork was s***
Lacking a proper gameplan, Eubank Jr stalked Groves aimlessly as the now-retired super middleweight simply jabbed the chiselled inside-fighter out of range.
It took that loss to convince the 29-year-old he required a full-time trainer, and Vasquez has lived in the super middleweight’s Sussex mansion in the build-up.
A lot had to change regarding Eubank Jr’s approach in order to prepare for a slick southpaw in DeGale, Vasquez explained to Express Sport this week.
“James DeGale's a great boxer, I can't take that away from him,” the Arizonian said.
“He moves great, so you've got to work on Chris' footwork because his footwork was s***.
“We've done that. It's a lot better, cutting off the ring.”
With a reformed style to match Eubank Jr’s picture-perfect physique, Vasquez believes the team has all bases covered for Saturday night at the O2 Arena.
“James DeGale, he won't have too many plans,” Vasquez added.
“What's he gonna do, come out like this? I don't think so.
“He's going to be smart, and he's going to box. James has one plan, but will he last?”