Chris Eubank Jr and Wanik Awdijan in row ahead of fight: ‘Why didn’t you fight me the first time?’ | Boxing News

Chris Eubank Jr vowed to punish his opponent Wanik Awdijan for his trash talk when a fiery argument broke out ahead of their fight.

Eubank Jr and Awdijan will settle their differences on Saturday in Newcastle, live on Sky Sports, alongside Savannah Marshall’s world title defence and Hughie Fury’s heavyweight fight.

Eubank Jr said at Thursday’s press conference about his opponent: « I’m disappointed in this man here because he had so much to say online. So much heat and energy came from his social media.

« Now? I see a man who doesn’t have the same fire. »

Awdijan shot back: « Just wait. »

Eubank Jr told him: « This is your shot, kid. You had a lot to say on social media. »

Eubank Jr was scheduled to fight two weeks ago but Sven Elbir withdrew due to Covid-19, then his replacement Anatoli Muratov pulled out on the day of the bout for medical reasons.

Awdijan, a Germany-based contender who has won 28 of his 29 fights, insisted he was considered as an opponent two weeks ago but Eubank Jr opted to avoid him.

He asked: « Why didn’t you fight me the first time? »

Eubank Jr said: « Because you were overweight. »

Awdijan: « Three kilos? You were scared. Everyone has their excuses. »

Eubank Jr claimed his rival was not displaying signs of confidence despite his words: « I’m disappointed because you said I was scared. »

Awdijan: « You were! Don’t be fooled by my appearance. I will have the same energy. »

Eubank Jr then warned him: « I want to make sure that you understand this – before you said the things that you said, you were just a guy that I needed to beat to get to the next guy. There was no malice.

« After seeing the things you said? I have a reason to terrorise you. I hope you understand the position you have put yourself in. »

Awdijan had earlier claimed: « Everyone is beatable, even him. He’s a human, like me. He has two losses, too. »

Eubank Jr’s promoter Nisse Sauerland said: « He has pedigree. At this stage of Chris’ career we do not want banana skins, we can’t afford slip-ups.

« We have very, very big fights waiting. »

Sky Sports Boxing schedule

October 16 – Top Rank in San Diego
Emanuel Navarette vs Joet Gonzalez – WBO featherweight title

October 16 – BOXXER in Newcastle
Savannah Marshall vs Lolita Muzeya – WBO middleweight title
Hughie Fury vs Christian Hammer
Chris Eubank Jr vs Wanik Awdijan

October 24 – Top Rank in Atlanta
Jamel Herring vs Shakur Stevenson – WBO super-featherweight title

October 31 – Top Rank in New York
Jose Zepeda vs Josue Vargas

November 6 – Top Rank in Las Vegas
Mikaela Mayer vs Maiva Hamadouche – IBF and WBO super-featherweight titles

November 6 – BOXXER in Liverpool

November 20 – BOXXER in London
Richard Riakporhe vs Olanrewaju Durodola
Caroline Dubois professional debut

November 20 – Top Rank in Las Vegas
Terence Crawford vs Shawn Porter – WBO welterweight title

December 11 – Top Rank in Las Vegas
Vasiliy Lomachenko vs Richard Commey

December 17 – Top Rank in Montreal
Artur Beterbiev vs Marcus Browne – IBF and WBC light-heavyweight titles

December 18 – Top Rank in Glasgow
Josh Taylor vs Jack Catterall – undisputed super-lightweight title