Eubank Jr. Targets The Biggest Fights – ‘Canelo Is The Marquee Name’
Chris Eubank Jr. opened up about his plans for the future as he targeted the biggest fights.
Eubank Jr. will box Kamil Szeremeta on October 12 on the Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol card. It is the first fight he will have had since beating Liam Smith last year. The result was the perfect response to his Smith defeat in the first fight. Eubank has signed with BOXXER, as the Szeremeta fight will be the first under the promotion. Before agreeing on the Szeremeta fight, reports indicated that Eubank could have faced Canelo Alvarez. That fight would sell out in the UK, given Eubank’s massive fanbase.
The Brit is not the biggest name overseas, where Canelo fights in the US. However, Alvarez decided to pursue the Edgar Berlanga fight instead. Berlanga has a massive Puerto Rican fanbase that will help sell the fight on Mexican Independence Weekend. The Canelo fight would be the biggest win of Eubank’s career if he pulled off an upset victory, securing him massive paydays, too.
Eubanks’ Options
Another alternative is to rematch Billy Joe Saunders. They faced off in 2014 when Saunders secured a split decision win. Since then, Saunders has had a better career. He became a two-weight world champion, with titles at 160 and 168. However, Saunders has not boxed since getting stopped by Canelo Alvarez in 2021. The Mexican broke his orbital bone. But there is enough demand to make that fight happen, with Eubank stressing it is personal.
There is also the option of facing Conor Benn. They had agreed to fight before Benn’s failed VADA tests for Clomiphene. The British Boxing Board of Control did not sanction the fight, as Benn is now fighting to prove his innocence. Eddie Hearn recently confirmed that Benn’s future could be resolved in October, meaning a possible fight could happen later down the line. But since the failed test, Eubank Jr. may demand more money now that he will see himself as even more of the A-side.
Eubank Reacts
There is also an outside chance of a Terence Crawford fight. Eubank and Crawford share the same trainer, Brian McIntyre. Eubank worked with Bomac for his win over Liam Smith, the first time they had done so. There are suggestions that Crawford wants to box Canelo. Facing Eubank at 160 or 168 would allow Bud to test the waters before deciding if he wants Canelo. Eubank was delighted at the number of big fights that were possible.
“An exciting fight [Crawford] that I would love to happen in 2025. Canelo is the marquee name in the sport of boxing. I want to get in the ring with him and test my skills against him, not for the payday, not for the fame, for anything else. But for the fact that I think I can beat him.
“May next year. He fights in May. I want that slot. Conor Benn. Dead boy walking. Billy Joe Saunders. Arch nemesis. I don’t feel personal towards many people. Saunders is one of those guys where it’s personal. It’s been so long, so it’s something that has to be dealt with, and I think it will be dealt with in the next six to 12 months. I’m excited for that,” Eubank said
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