Will Collins Jr. vs Eubanks Jr. Be the Latest Historic Rivalry Revived?

Steve Collins backed his son Steve Collins Jr, earlier this month, to resume the family rivalry with Chris Eubank Jr. Steve Collins hopes to rekindle one of boxing’s most entertaining narratives in the same way that Conor Benn has done. Read below to find out if it's really going to happen or it's all just talk for publicity.

What Defined the Original Collins vs Eubank Rivalry?

The Collins vs Eubank rivalry was one of the defining boxing rivalries of the 1990s. Steve Collins and Chris Eubank met twice, first in 1995 and again in 1996, during a period when both fighters were at the peak of their powers. Collins’ disciplined, tactical approach contrasted sharply with Eubank’s flamboyant and unpredictable style, creating bouts that mixed skill with spectacle. Collins defended his WBO middleweight title in both contests, but what elevated the rivalry was not just the results - it was the clash of personalities, national pride and public fascination that surrounded the fights. Even today, those two encounters remain part of boxing folklore.

Can Will Collins Jr vs Chris Eubank Jr Reignite the Rivalry?

Find below a list of reasons for reigniting the rivalry.

• Legacy appeal. The legacy appeal strengthens the fight’s narrative by linking two boxing families whose fathers defined an era.
• Fan interest. The fan interest remains high because the original rivalry is still remembered as one of the sport’s most intense rivalries
• Motivation for both fighters. The motivation for both fighters grows as Collins Jr seeks a breakout moment, while Eubank Jr can reinforce his authority in the division.

Find below a list of reasons against reigniting the rivalry.

• Experience gap. The experience gap limits the competitiveness of the fight because Collins Jr has fewer elite bouts and losses to Nathan Quarless and Padraig McCrory.
• Career risk for Eubank Jr. The career risk for Eubank Jr is significant because a win offers little prestige, while a loss would harm his credibility.
• Uncertain competitive balance. The uncertain competitive balance reduces excitement since the matchup may lack the intensity and parity of their fathers’ original contests.

Both Will Collins Jr and Chris Eubanks Jr are top boxers in their own right. Eubanks Jr has contested 38 fights as a professional to date, recording 35 wins with 25 knockouts. Any popular sportsbook such as BetVibe usually sets the odds in his favour, before he steps into the ring. BETVIBE is a licensed online sportsbook and casino platform operating under the Government of the Autonomous Island of Anjouan (licence number ALSI-202411057-F12), offering Indian players secure IPL betting, verified odds and payments via UPI, IMPS and crypto.

What Motivates Chris Eubank Jr to Consider This Fight?

Eubank Jr has fought across multiple divisions, including super-middleweight and cruiserweight, but light-heavyweight appears his most natural class. Eubank Jr's strength and stamina are at their peak in this class, offering him a chance to perform at full capacity. He’s been struggling to make the lighter weight, so moving up to light-heavyweight will be a natural progression for him. Eubank Jr facing a younger opponent like Collins Jr could help him reinforce his position within the division and strengthen his career legacy. A fight like this carries risk - any underestimation could make it more competitive than expected and a win against a less established opponent might not elevate his reputation.

Why Do Boxing Rivalries Like Collins vs Eubank Still Matter?

Find below a list of reasons why boxing rivalries like Collins vs Eubank still matter.

• They generate emotion. They generate emotion by turning every exchange into a clash of pride, identity and willpower, creating an atmosphere that goes beyond technique or tactics.
• They create personal stakes. They create personal stakes by making each round a test of legacy and respect, not just athletic ability or endurance.
• They attract new audiences. They attract new audiences by appealing to casual sports fans who are drawn to drama and storytelling rather than pure technical boxing.
• They build a legacy. They build legacy by etching both fighters’ names into history, ensuring their bouts are remembered long after their careers end.
• They sustain fan interest. They sustain fan interest by keeping the rivalry alive through rematches, debates and highlights that fans revisit for years.
• They raise media coverage. They raise media coverage by driving headlines, interviews and documentaries that expand a fight’s reach beyond the ring
• They connect generations. They connect generations by linking the rivalries of fathers and sons, such as Collins and Eubank, showing how history repeats itself through family lineage.
• They redefine eras. They redefine eras by setting the standard for intensity and spectacle, as seen in rivalries like Canelo Alvarez vs Gennady Golovkin and Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder, where competition meets entertainment on a global stage.

Even outside of a victory, resurrecting a rivalry like this will do wonders for the sport, not to mention the notoriety of both Eubanks Jr and Collins Jr. Other historic rivalries that have been revived in recent years include Canelo Alvarez versus Gennady Golovkin, as well as Tyson Fury versus Deontay Wilder, both of which captivated fans around the world and generated massive attention for the athlete.

A Collins Jr vs Eubank Jr fight is unlikely to happen in the immediate future. Collins Jr has potential but lacks the experience required to face Eubank Jr at this stage. A premature fight could damage both reputations and diminish the legacy of the original rivalry. Fans want to see the fight, but timing will determine whether this next chapter becomes reality. Until then, fans will continue to speculate and the legend of Collins vs Eubank will keep growing.

Both fighters stand at pivotal crossroads in their careers. Collins Jr, makes steady progression through ranked opponents to build credibility and sharpen his skill for when a marquee fight becomes viable. Eubank Jr is choosing the right opponents now to shape how his later years in boxing are defined, either as a gatekeeper for the next generation or as a title contender reclaiming his prime. The renewed Collins vs Eubank rivalry could become one of the most commercially and emotionally charged matchups of the decade if the paths of both men eventually converge under the right circumstances.