Joshua vs Whyte: Chris Eubank Jr warns opponent Gary O'Sullivan over face-off antics
Wednesday 9 December 2015 14:51, UK
Chris Eubank Jr has warned Gary 'Spike' O'Sullivan of the consequences if he tries to kiss him during a face-off this week.
O'Sullivan (22-1-KO15) caused uproar during a November 2014 press conference when he planted a kiss on opponent Anthony Fitzgerald - prompting Eubank Jr (20-1-KO15) to refuse a stare-down with the Irishman at their initial meeting.
But ahead of this week's press conference and weigh-in as they prepare to do battle in Saturday's WBA middleweight eliminator at The O2, Eubank Jr is open to the possibility of squaring up to his opponent - albeit with accompanying words of caution.
He lost the privilege of facing off with me. He might be able to at the weigh-in and if he still wants a kiss at that time, he can try his luck and see what happens.
Eubank Jr told Sky Sports: "Gary O'Sullivan open-mouth kissed his last opponent in a face-off. It's disgraceful and because of that, he lost the privilege of facing off with me. He might be able to at the weigh-in and if he still wants a kiss at that time, he can try his luck and see what happens.
"It's extremely unprofessional and I don't think he deserves to face-off with anyone after that. I try not to think about it but I'm going to do everything I can to make sure he has the hardest time possible if he's going to pull a stunt like that."
O'Sullivan was curiously reserved when the pair filmed The Gloves Are Off despite aiming social media insults at his foe over a prolonged period of time - and Eubank Jr feels that O'Sullivan's silence is a sign of weakness rather than increasing focus.
Eubank Jr said: "For two or three years, he's been outspoken and vocal on Twitter. He's targeted my fans, my family and me with disrespectful language and dark words. He didn't have much to say at the press conference so I think the gravity of the situation is dawning on him. He's back-tracking and feeling the pressure.
"He's going to approach this fight like he approaches all his fights, which is to come forward and throw power shots trying to knock opponents out. He's never been in the ring with someone like me, who's got a chin and is hard to hit.
"Once he realises that this power everyone goes on about isn't going to affect me, that's when I'll take over and stop him. You can't swim without getting wet - you're going to get hit. Everyone gets hit. The percentage of punches that land clean on me is low compared to some other fighters.
"It won't go 12 rounds. I'll be surprised if it goes eight. Either way, he won't hear the final bell."
When asked about the prospects of emulating his father, Chris Eubank, as an outspoken world champion, he added: "I think being able to speak is a big part of being successful. Inspiring people with word.
"It's good being able to fight but if you can be articulate and engage the public outside of the ring, that's what makes you a superstar."
Watch Eubank Jr vs O'Sullivan on Joshua vs Whyte, exclusively live on Sky Sports Box Office, December 12, now available to order via your Sky remote or online.
