It was in '93 that Jones said Eubank was the one guy he thought he'd have problems with, and that was despite Toney being at his peak at the time and Nunn still about. After his first defence after beating Toney, he was told by Larry Merchant that Eubank had lost earlier that night to Collins - and looked shocked. Jones must have knew Eubank was good because he sparred with Ron Essett and Lindell Holmes and was ringside at Benn-Watson in '89. All guys Eubank beat well.
I think it was more a change of style and personality. He allowed opponents to win rounds he didn't desperately need to win. An example of his passive style to his more aggressive former self is against Benn in the rematch. When Benn started to counter the counter-puncher Eubank chased him with serious intent.
thanks for reminding me, that was what I was thinking of! Eubank was a very under rated boxer puncher, with a great profile and an ambassador for the sport. He was truly a one off though.
Brilliant boxer, brilliant character. He was a great fighter but was just involved in a tragic fight.
I think his level of opposition is grossly underrated, in the 80s or the last 10-15 years his opponents would be the top boys of the super-middleweight division. Watson, Benn, Rocchigiani, Thornton, Lindell Holmes... Wharton.