E159: Chris Eubank Jr. Opens Up About His Grief, Living In His Father’s Shadow & His Future

Podcast Summary

• Chris Eubank: Boxing as the Ultimate Form of Competition: Chris Eubank's strong drive and determination to test himself against others led him to overcome challenges, showcasing his passion and unwavering drive towards achieving his goals in boxing.

  Chris Eubank's discipline and appetite for struggle and pain in boxing came from his own innate competitive nature, rather than from a background of intense hardship. Despite coming from a family with comfort and success, Eubank had a strong drive to test himself against others and found boxing to be the ultimate form of competition. Surprisingly, his father initially banned him from pursuing boxing, believing he wouldn't be tough enough. However, this challenge only fueled Eubank's determination to prove himself. He saw his ability to succeed in boxing without having to endure the same level of hardship as others as a significant accomplishment, showcasing his passion and unwavering drive towards achieving his goals.

• The Crucial Role of Mental Strength in Achieving Success: Mental strength is essential for success in boxing and all aspects of life. It involves courage, fortitude, and belief to face challenges and overcome obstacles, even in moments of doubt and questioning.

  Mental strength plays a crucial role in achieving success, not just in boxing but also in various aspects of life. Chris Eubank emphasizes that being a great fighter requires more than just physical attributes like speed and power. It's about having the mental fortitude, courage, and belief to face challenges, whether inside or outside the ring. While improvements can be made through training, there will be moments of doubt and questioning where one must decide to push through or give up. Chris shares a personal experience where he was close to giving up but chose to continue despite being knocked out of the ring and injuring his knee. This example highlights the importance of mental strength and determination in overcoming obstacles and achieving goals.

• Perseverance and Personal Identity: Overcoming Challenges in Pursuit of Self-Belief: By refusing to give up and persevering in the face of challenges, individuals can shape their personal story and identity, ultimately leading to personal growth and success.

  Personal philosophy and self-belief are crucial in overcoming challenges. Chris Eubank's decision to continue fighting against a much bigger opponent, despite being beaten, reflects his determination to not give up and prove himself. Steven Bartlett also mentions his own experiences where he pushes himself on the Peloton, reinforcing the importance of perseverance. Both individuals emphasize the idea of shaping one's personal story and identity by making choices that align with their desired self-image. Whether it's in the boxing ring, on the treadmill, or facing other life challenges, the ability to persevere and not let difficult circumstances define who we are is essential for personal growth and success.

• Overcoming self-comparison for personal growth and success.: Focus on establishing your own identity, avoid comparing yourself to others, and stay true to yourself while striving for personal excellence in any field.

  Self-comparison can hinder personal growth and success. Chris Eubank shares that he was initially motivated by the desire to establish his own identity and create something that he could be proud of, separate from being known solely as Chris Eubank's son. While he started in the same sport as his father, he focused on becoming the best version of himself and no longer compares himself to his father or others. Chris emphasizes the importance of not being influenced by what others are doing or achieving, as it can distract from individual progress. This lesson extends beyond boxing, highlighting the significance of staying true to oneself and continuously striving for personal excellence in any industry.

• From Warrior to Approachable: Chris Eubank's Journey to Connecting with Others: By prioritizing good energy and maintaining a positive reputation, Chris Eubank discovered the importance of connecting with people outside of boxing and how it shaped his interactions and relationships.

  Chris Eubank's initial seriousness and lack of emotions in public appearances and interviews stemmed from his intense focus and dedication to boxing. He saw himself as a warrior in the ring, unable to be jovial or playful like some of his peers. However, as he matured and gained more experience, he realized the importance of connecting with people outside of the boxing world. He learned that being approachable, smiling, and giving people his time could leave a lasting positive impression on others. Eubank recognized that his interactions with individuals were not limited to just one person but influenced a network of people connected to them. Therefore, he emphasized the significance of projecting good energy and maintaining a positive reputation, as it ultimately shapes how people perceive and treat him.

• The Impact of Emotions on Relationships and Personal Growth: Emotions, or the lack thereof, can shape one's ability to form and maintain relationships. Developing emotional awareness and growth over time can positively influence personal and professional success.

  Emotions, or the lack thereof, can have a significant impact on relationships and personal growth. Chris Eubank expresses that he is not an emotional person and does not understand the need for emotional outbursts, even in confrontational situations. He believes that his lack of emotions has helped him succeed in his boxing career. In contrast, Steven Bartlett shares his own journey of learning to be more emotional and affectionate due to a lack of emotional presence in his childhood. Both individuals demonstrate that emotional experiences can shape one's ability to form and maintain relationships. Chris Eubank acknowledges his increasing emotional awareness, suggesting that personal growth and maturity may also influence emotional development over time.

• Chris Eubank's journey from troubled youth to refined adult.: Strict discipline and boundaries helped Chris Eubank avoid trouble and appreciate the importance of controlling emotions in a mature and calculated manner.

  Emotions and feelings were not openly discussed in Chris Eubank's upbringing, especially with his father. The strict discipline and punishment he experienced as a child, while sometimes excessive, served as a deterrent for him to go further down a troublesome path. Eubank acknowledges that without those boundaries, he may have ended up in jail due to his rebellious nature. Despite coming from a bloodline with a tendency for trouble, Eubank has grown more refined and reflective as an adult. He recognizes the mistakes he made in the past and now appreciates the importance of channeling emotions in a controlled and calculated manner, both in and outside the boxing ring.

• The Consequences of Impulsive Actions: Reflect on the potential outcomes of our actions, make responsible choices, and cherish our loved ones, as life can be unpredictable and loss can profoundly impact our perspective.

  Life-altering consequences can stem from impulsive actions. Chris Eubank shares how he could have destroyed his future due to a momentary lapse in judgment. He reflects on the importance of making responsible choices and being aware of potential outcomes. Moreover, the conversation delves into the tragic loss of Chris's brother, which has deeply impacted him and those around him. It highlights the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of cherishing our loved ones. This poignant event has transformed Chris into a more emotional person, showcasing the profound effect that loss can have on one's perspective. Ultimately, this conversation emphasizes the significance of considering the potential ramifications of our actions and cherishing the precious moments and relationships in our lives.

• The Impact of Personal Loss: Empathy, Regret, and Cherishing Loved Ones: Experiencing loss teaches us to empathize, cherish loved ones, and prioritize family. Time is fleeting, so make the most of relationships and be mindful of the negative effects of social media.

  Experiencing personal loss can significantly impact our understanding and empathy towards others who are going through similar situations. Chris Eubank shares how his brother's death from COVID-19 made him realize the importance of sympathizing and empathizing with strangers facing loss. He also regrets not spending more time with his brother before his passing, stressing the significance of cherishing loved ones and not taking them for granted. Furthermore, Eubank highlights the importance of keeping relationships private, as social media can often negatively affect them. The conversation teaches us the value of appreciating and prioritizing family, emphasizing the fleeting nature of time and the need to make the most of our relationships.

• Privacy and Self-care: The Life of Chris Eubank: Chris Eubank emphasizes the importance of maintaining privacy, protecting personal relationships, and prioritizing physical and mental health in order to lead a fulfilling life.

  Maintaining a private life and not seeking validation from others is important for Chris Eubank. He expresses his desire to keep his personal relationships and experiences out of the public eye, as he believes that sharing them can attract negativity and hinder his happiness. He also discusses the risks and implications of his boxing career, highlighting incidents where his opponents were seriously injured, even going into comas. As he gets older, he becomes more aware of the long-term effects of the punishment he takes in the ring, such as memory loss and forgetfulness. In response, he actively trains his brain and relies less on external aids like recall apps to improve his memory. Overall, protecting his privacy and prioritizing his physical and mental health are crucial for Eubank.

• Prioritizing Mental Health and Seeking Support: It is crucial to actively take care of your mental health, express your feelings, seek support when needed, and protect your well-being from external pressures.

  Taking care of your mental health is crucial, especially in today's world. Chris Eubank highlights the importance of keeping your brain active and not neglecting it as you age. He believes that using brain training apps like Elevate can help improve cognitive abilities. On the other hand, Steven Bartlett brings attention to the rising issue of mental health in men. He emphasizes the need for men to express their feelings and seek support when necessary to combat the alarming statistics of mental health-related deaths. Chris Eubank shares his own experience of dealing with online hate and how he learned to not let it affect him emotionally. This conversation underscores the significance of prioritizing mental well-being and finding ways to protect it amidst external pressures.

• The Power of Being a Boxing Character: Embrace your unique personality in boxing, as it not only drives interest and ticket sales but also has the potential to convert haters into fans through continuous wins and dedication.

  In the world of boxing, being a character is essential for success. Chris Eubank shares his experience of dealing with trolls and negative comments, realizing that those people are projecting their own unhappiness onto him. He also discovers the profitability of being a villain and the importance of evoking emotions from the audience. Whether loved or hated, having a strong presence and inspiring strong reactions is what drives interest and ticket sales. Eubank understands that being neutral is detrimental to his career and that being perceived as a gimmick can be initially challenging. However, with continuous wins and dedication, he has managed to convert some haters into fans.

• Eubank's Drive for Success, Discipline, and Legacy: Eubank emphasizes the importance of discipline, financial stability, and fighting the best opponents to achieve success in his boxing career and leave a lasting legacy. He also highlights the significance of positivity, supportiveness, and avoiding negativity in finding happiness.

  Chris Eubank is driven by the desire to accomplish more in his boxing career and believes there is still so much more for him to achieve. He emphasizes the importance of living a disciplined lifestyle, both inside and outside of a fight camp, to ensure he can continue fighting effectively and prolong his career. Eubank values financial stability but also acknowledges that there is still more money to be made and accolades to collect. He is motivated to fight the best opponents and cement his legacy in the next few years. Additionally, Eubank shares his perspective on happiness, emphasizing the importance of being positive, genuine, and supportive of others, as well as avoiding comparisons and negativity.