Canelo Alvarez vs. Chris Eubank Jr.: A Potential Showdown in the Making?
As boxing fans eagerly await news on the next opponent for Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, a familiar British name has resurfaced in the conversation—Chris Eubank Jr. The Mexican superstar, who continues to reign as the king of the 168-pound division, was initially considering Eubank Jr. for his September fight before settling on Edgar Berlanga. Eubank’s reluctance to step in on short notice, coupled with a demand for a bigger purse, saw negotiations fall through. Yet, whispers around the boxing circuit suggest the two might meet in the ring next year.
Eubank’s promoter, Ben Shalom, believes that a bout between Alvarez and Eubank could become a reality as soon as May or September 2025. “I genuinely believe that fight will happen next year, either in May or September,” Shalom told BoxingScene while promoting another of his fighters, cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith. Shalom’s confidence stems from his belief that Eubank is a marketable opponent who can draw a significant audience, both in the UK and the United States.
Eubank’s Market Appeal and Legacy
Eubank, 35, may not have fought consistently at super middleweight in recent years, but his name carries weight in British boxing circles. He’s a recognised star who, despite being out of the ring for a year, remains relevant with his vocal presence in the sport. His promoter emphasised Eubank’s commitment to being fully prepared for such a high-profile clash, saying, “He’s not the type that you can tempt into the ring for a payday. He’s made a fortune in the sport. He wants to go into that fight to win.”
Such sentiments hint at Eubank’s pride and the legacy he seeks to build, rather than merely chasing a financial windfall. His recent win over Liam Smith in September 2023 helped to restore his reputation after a disappointing knockout loss to Smith eight months earlier. Now, with a fight against Kamil Szeremeta scheduled in Saudi Arabia, Eubank aims to stay sharp and focused. As Shalom put it, “After the Kamil Szeremeta fight on October 12, it’s big fights only, and Canelo is on top of the list.”
Canelo’s Global Ambitions
For Alvarez, a potential fight with Eubank would tick multiple boxes. Despite dominating many British opponents over the past 13 years—including the likes of John Ryder, Billy Joe Saunders, Callum Smith, and Amir Khan—Canelo has expressed interest in fighting in the UK, as well as other markets like Japan. “If Canelo Alvarez wants to cement his legacy, because, believe me, British boxing fans absolutely adore him, he’s beaten all of our guys, the fight against Eubank is the one that sells out Wembley Stadium,” Shalom claimed. Such a fight would be a grand spectacle, one that could generate excitement far beyond the typical boxing fanbase.
The British angle is a compelling one. Eubank is not just another name; he is the son of Chris Eubank Sr., a legendary figure in British boxing. A press conference between Alvarez and Eubank Jr. would be a veritable media circus, offering plenty of verbal sparring and promotional fireworks. As Shalom pointed out, “Eubank brings his own audience, and that’s very rare for Canelo’s opponents.”
What’s Next for Alvarez?
Canelo’s next move is still up in the air. With 62 wins, 39 knockouts, and just two losses on his record, the Mexican champion has fewer and fewer credible challengers in the 168-pound division. His dominance means that finding opponents who can both test him in the ring and provide a significant payday is becoming a challenge. Eubank, with his pedigree, name value, and solid recent form, might be the next logical choice.
“He’s box office,” Shalom said of Eubank Jr., underlining the British fighter’s value as an entertainer, if not a guaranteed winner. The promoter believes that the fight would be a natural progression for Alvarez’s career, particularly if he wants to continue his quest for global supremacy. “I think so [that Eubank is next in line]. He was very close to happening in September, and hopefully, it can happen in May.”
With both fighters seemingly on a collision course, 2025 might just deliver one of the most intriguing match-ups in recent super middleweight history. Should the bout materialise, it promises to be a tantalising showdown between Canelo’s technical brilliance and Eubank’s relentless aggression and charisma.