• Billy Joe Saunders v Chris Eubank Jr

Eubank Jr is like Sugar Ray Leonard, says father

Chris Eubank Sr believes his son is "the most dangerous fighter on the planet" and has the talent of Sugar Ray Leonard.

Eubank Jr fights Billy Joe Saunders for the British, European and Commonwealth middleweight titles at London's Excel Arena on Saturday.

Eubank Sr is confident his son can emulate American Leonard, who won world titles across five weight divisions and is widely considered as one of the most talented fighters of all time.

History lesson packs a punch

Chris Eubank Jr is also unbeaten © Getty Images

• Billy Joe Saunders be warned, punishing over-confident opponents runs in Chris Eubank Jr's blood, writes Steve Bunce.
• Click here to read the full article

"The last person who had this ability was Sugar Ray Leonard," Eubank Sr told BBC Sport. "My son is the most dangerous young man I've ever come across in boxing, the most dangerous fighter on the planet.

"I was the benchmark, I was the beacon, I was the one everyone was measured against and I can't even measure him against me. I have never seen anything like him. The great British public has a great journey in front of them over the next 10 years.

"Am I putting too much pressure on him by saying he's as talented as Sugar Ray Leonard?

"If I don't say it to him, he'll never see it. I have to make him aware that this is what I see. Can he do what I see? I am absolutely certain of that. It's ridiculous the things he can do."

Eubank Jr has won all of his 18 fights as a professional to date, with 13 stoppages. He believes he carries the same desire as his father in the ring and is keen to inflict a first professional defeat on Saunders.

"I have the same resolve as my father," Eubank Jr said. "I'm willing to lay down my life to defend my undefeated record. I know that I have something inside of me that many of the fighters of my generation don't. I'm made of pure British steel.

"I'm looking forward to the night when someone gives me the pleasure of providing me with a war, so I can show the public exactly what I'm made of.

"This is why I'm going to pull off a great performance on November 29, in front of 20,000 people, with three belts on the line. It's going to be cool, calm, calculated mayhem."

However, Eubank faces a tough ask in Saunders, who believes his meticulous preparation will ensure he successfully defends his titles against the 25-year-old.

"I'm feeling great, the best I've ever been in my career," Saunders said. "My weight is perfect. I'm just where I want to be.

"Everything has been done in training camp and I've left no stone unturned. I couldn't have done any more and now it's all on the line on Saturday night - there's going to be fireworks.

"The boxing world seems to be split down the middle deciding who is going to win between us. I can't see why because for me it's a clear cut victory for me - but everyone will see the reason why this Saturday."

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