Fighting on the undercard of the World Boxing Super Series final between George Groves and Callum Smith, Ireland's JJ McDonagh failed to appear for the 4th round in his bout with Chris Eubank Jr.
Prompting the Saudi Arabian crowd to begin booing the Irish fighter, McDonagh's early exit was down to a shoulder injury.
However, Eubank Jr, who lost to Groves in the semi-final of the tournament that ends tonight, was not convinced of McDonagh's injuries.
"So he says. I'm not really convinced, it is what it is. I've been out of the ring for a number of months and this was a chance to shake off the ring rust.
"It was a good fight while it lasted."
The most high-profile bout of his career thus far, JJ McDonagh was less than impressed with the suspicions shared by Chris Eubank Jr.
Upping the ante somewhat, both men were interviewed post-fight. For many watching, they were left wondering where McDonagh's second wind had come from.
Surreal stuff on the #GrovesSmith undercard
Mcdonagh didn’t come out for the 4th cos of a shoulder injury then proceeded to look for a straightener off eubank in the post fight interview 😂 pic.twitter.com/HsQLj4gAEw— Eoghan Hickey (@eoghan_hickey) September 28, 2018
After Eubank Jr informed McDonagh that the "only way to make it in the game" was to fight through such injuries, the Irish boxer didn't take this suggestion well.
'Not when there is another 7 rounds left. I'd like to see you, if you had a sore shoulder as bad as mine, would you finish off the 7 rounds with me?'
Informed by Eubank Jr that he had in fact finished off his second professional fight with only the use of one arm, McDonagh replied; 'Do you know who he fought? A journeyman that you could beat with no hands. So, there's a difference in this level of boxing fighting with a bad shoulder.'
Clearly displeased with what he perceived as Eubank Jr's 'arrogant and ignorant' response to his claims, McDonagh proceeded to threaten the British boxer with an aggressiveness that may have been better served during the fight.
JJ McDonagh offering Chris Eubank Jr out for a straightener during the post fight interviews. Incredible.
— Sheldan Keay (@SheldanKeay) September 28, 2018
