Chris Eubank Jr’s Ambitious Plans: Canelo Alvarez and Conor Benn on the Horizon
Chris Eubank Jr is charting an ambitious course for the next year in boxing, with a focus on high-profile fights against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Conor Benn. The 34-year-old British fighter is poised to return to the ring in October, taking on Poland’s Kamil Szeremeta in Saudi Arabia, as he seeks to reinvigorate his career and make a significant impact in the sport.
Eubank Jr’s Immediate Focus: Kamil Szeremeta
Eubank Jr has been on a hiatus since September, when he avenged a previous stoppage defeat by Liam Smith. His upcoming bout against Szeremeta, scheduled for 12 October, is seen as a crucial step in regaining his rhythm and setting the stage for future high-stakes matches. Eubank Jr is keen to make a statement and build momentum, particularly with major fights on his radar for the near future.
“I want to get back into the swing of things and make these mega fights over the next 12 months,” Eubank Jr told the BBC Radio 5 Live Boxing podcast. Despite being a major draw in British boxing, Eubank Jr is still in search of a recognised world title, which has only added to the anticipation surrounding his forthcoming bouts.
Pursuit of Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez
Eubank Jr’s sights are set on a significant showdown with Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, one of the most formidable names in boxing. Discussions for a potential fight had occurred, but financial disagreements prevented a deal from being finalised. Eubank Jr clarified that his interest in fighting Alvarez is not merely driven by financial incentives but by a genuine desire to test his skills against one of the best in the sport.
“There were discussions but we couldn’t come to terms on the business side of things. I’ve been out of the ring for 12 months – I wasn’t looking to fight Canelo for a payday,” Eubank Jr remarked. “I want to beat this guy. Get me some nice solid fights over the next six months and then I’ll take [Alvarez] out in May.”
Eubank Jr’s focus is on regaining his competitive edge and securing a strong series of fights to position himself favourably for a clash with Alvarez. The potential bout, tentatively set for May, represents a major opportunity for Eubank Jr to establish himself at the pinnacle of the sport.
Conor Benn Fight: A Potential Rematch
Another high-profile bout on Eubank Jr’s agenda is a long-awaited clash with fellow Briton Conor Benn. Their scheduled fight in October 2022 was scrapped after Benn failed two voluntary drug tests, leading to a suspension by UK Anti-Doping and the British Boxing Board of Control. Benn has maintained his innocence regarding the doping allegations, but the fight remains a significant point of contention.
Eubank Jr remains resolute about the future of this bout, stating, “I imagine it’s going to happen in the next 12 months. As soon as he gets his licence back and his career back on track, that fight will happen.” He is adamant that Benn will have limited leverage in future negotiations, given the circumstances surrounding the failed drug tests.
“[Benn] has no say in anything now. He’s lost all his privileges. You can’t fail a drug test and come back and say ‘I still want weight clauses and rehydration clauses’. Now you take what you get. Now you’re the bad guy,” Eubank Jr asserted. “Now it’s not just about how our dads fought. Now we have our own beef. We have our own story. We have our own history.”
Legacy and Future Challenges
As Eubank Jr continues to forge his path in boxing, his career is shaped not only by his own ambitions but also by the legacy of his father, Chris Eubank Sr. The younger Eubank has spoken candidly about moving beyond the shadow of his father’s illustrious career, focusing instead on establishing his own identity and achievements in the sport.
In summary, Chris Eubank Jr is navigating a critical juncture in his career with a focus on high-profile fights and a quest for a world title. His upcoming bout with Kamil Szeremeta is a crucial step towards regaining momentum, while his aspirations for a fight with Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and a rematch with Conor Benn reflect his determination to make a lasting impact in boxing.