James DeGale and Chris Eubank Jnr weigh in without hitch as they square off for final time ahead of huge domestic showdown

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Chris Eubank Jnr surprisingly scaled heavier than James DeGale at the weigh-in for their Saturday night grudge fight for the fringe IBO world super-middleweight title.

Eubank hit the scales at just half a pound under the 12-stone limit.

DeGale, the natural super-middle, was unexpectedly light at 11st 12lbs. That came as an indication of how much more diligently Chunky has prepared than for recent fights.

James DeGale (left) and Chris Eubank Jnr (right) both made weight for their fight

Eubank Jnr came in as slightly heavier but both men were under the 12-stone limit

Both fighters' entourages gather to watch the pair face off at Friday's weigh-in

The pair engaged in animated but smiling banter and DeGale gave Eubank a conciliatory pat on the arm, in contrast to exchange of insults 24 hours earlier.

DeGale chided his opponent: 'Sorry mate but if you can't box, you can't box.' 

Both men looked in prime condition, Chunky cleared having trained for speed and Junior for extra strength against a naturally bigger man.

The assembled crowd booed Eubank and gave DeGale a loud reception as they squared off for the final time. 

DeGale had a few words to say to his opponent but Eubank Jnr refused to bite

Eubank Jnr refused to rise to the provocation as DeGale said: 'You can't box'

There has been a degree of animosity in the build-up with both camps blaming each other for blocking old foe George Groves from commentating for ITV.

As neither admitted it had been their call, 'Saint' is expected to take his place in the booth for television coverage on Saturday night. 

The incident was another point of conflict in what has been a build-up fraught with tension given the importance of the fight to both British pugilists.  

They know that defeat would be a potentially fatal blow to their career but victory would put either man right back in the mix for big-money bouts.  

'Chunky' had one last crack at trying to get under the skin of his opponent 

Eubank Jnr wore gloves with a skull on and put them together when he was on the scale

Of the mind games, perhaps it will be Eubank Jnr worst affected after his father Chris Eubank Snr admitted feeling 'terrified' his son will lose and admitted it is a '50-50' fight. 

And Junior was dealt another blow as his American sparring partner Denis Douglin said he though Chunky would be too good for his rival. 

Douglin said: 'I expect DeGale to win. Chris fell for the simple traps I set him and James is much better and slicker than I am.

'If I can trick him then DeGale will cause him big problems.'

'I hate to say this because I had a good time in England and we did some excellent sparring. But while Chris is physically strong James is much more skilled and will win.' 

 

Credit: GentingBet