CHIEF sparring partner Denis Douglin reckons Chris Eubank Jr will come on strong to defeat James DeGale.

Douglin, 30, flew over in January to work with Eubank Jr after reprising a relationship first forged in Las Vegas where the fighter is based.

Brooklyn-born Douglin has a 22-6 record, including a stoppage loss to George Groves, but has been seen as ideal preparation for DeGale because of his southpaw style and past experience as a sparring partner for Badou Jack.

Jack and IBF super-middleweight champion DeGale had a bloody battle in 2017 which ended in a draw.

Douglin says he has seen Eubank Jr improve during sessions in a new-look training set-up which saw Nate Vasquez brought in specifically from the United States to work as a full-time trainer with the former IBO champion.

Douglin told The Argus: “Me and DeGale have similar styles as we’re both awkward southpaws. Nobody really has that much experience of southpaws so it’s good to get top notch sparring.

“I’ve been in camp before for DeGale as I was Badou Jack’s chief sparring partner when they fought, so I am good for that.

“I have definitely seen Chris make improvements and adjustments.

“He’s starting to use the jab a lot more and he does it well.

“He brings something new to the table each time we spar and that’s all you can ask for. You want people trying different things and seeing what works – I think he does well with that.”

Douglin expects the all-Brit clash to go to the judges’ cards.

“I think it’s going to be a good, tough fight but I see Chris winning by decision,” he said. “I don’t see anyone getting a knockout. They are both great fighters and are both going to be in top shape.

“I see Chris starting strong, winning the earlier rounds but James making an adjustment because he’s a champion and can do that.

“But I also see him fading because, even in his prime as a fighter James faded in the later rounds – ten, 11, 12 – and I see that happening again. That’s where Chris is going to capitalise.”

Douglin knows that Eubank Jr cannot afford to let DeGale build up a lead in the early rounds, which the Brighton fighter did against Billy Joe Saunders back in 2014 before losing by a split decision after a strong finish.

He added: “He definitely can’t afford to start slow and that is something we have focused on in the camp.

“With someone like DeGale, who is talented and a great boxer, you can’t give them any leeway, you can’t give them any chance to steal rounds.”

Douglin has been based at Eubank Jr’s Brighton home.

He said: “Everyone has been super friendly and Chris is a star so everywhere he goes he’s treated like the celebrity he is. I’ve just been piggybacking off that and telling everyone I’m his brother!”