In one of the most bizarre stories in boxing history, Chris Eubank saw his undefeated record crash and burn.
Rolling through competition with relative ease, veteran fan-favorite world champion Chris Eubank had ruled the roost in Britain.
And already taking Nigel Benn to the ring twice in a memorable rivalry, Eubank made the surprise trip to the rural town of Milstreet in Cork.
But seeing his 43-fight undefeated run halted, Eubank was haunted in a tale of hypnosis, Donald Duck and a bizarre strategy.
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Chris Eubank’s rivalry with Steve Collins
Losing his WBO super middleweight championship, Eubank traveled to Cork to take on Dublin challenger Steve Collins.
However, in one of the most shrewd displays of pre-fight mental warfare, Cabra native Collins, under the tutelage of hypnotist and life coach Tony Quinn, hatched a plan.
Claiming he was put under a spell to hear the voice of cartoon Donald Duck whenever Eubank spoke, Collins truly got under the Brit’s skin.
📅ON THIS DAY: Eubank v Collins I
Back in 1995, Steve Collins took Chris Eubank’s world title and unbeaten record at the Green Glens Arena 🇮🇪 🙌pic.twitter.com/6GWIubipyh
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) March 18, 2024
Also claiming he was impervious to pain or damage, Collins rode out an upset unanimous decision win in the South of Ireland, ending Eubank’s unbeaten run as kingpin.
Rebounding with two first-round knockout wins, Eubank met Collins in a rematch at Pairc Ui Chaoimh later that year, suffering a split decision loss again.
Chris Eubank was deeply troubled by insult
Reflecting on his rivalry with Hall of Fame star Collins — who would also go on to take out the above-mentioned Benn, Eubank remained candid.
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A master in the ring during his prime, Eubank admitted he was fearful of facing Collins, who he believed was “unbeatable” and unable to feel any punishment dished out.
“I didn’t have any fear of getting hurt, I had fear I was going to be fighting someone who wouldn’t feel my punches,” Eubank said on his YouTube channel.
“Don’t laugh at this, but it was said that when he (Steve Collins) thinks about me talking, he’s going to think about Donald Duck. As funny as that may seem to you, it got into my head,” Eubank said. Apparently, every punch I would hit him with, he wouldn’t feel any pain, because he was under some kind of trance. This was my interpretation.”