Eubank Jr’s Comeback: Boxing World Eyes Canelo Showdown on the Horizon?
Chris Eubank Jr. is back and determined to make his mark in the boxing world once again. After a period of frustration and inactivity, the 34-year-old from Hove, England, has his sights set on some of the biggest names in the sport, including Mexican superstar Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez. The boxing community is abuzz with speculation over Eubank’s next moves as he aims to reclaim momentum and secure a long-awaited megafight.
A Year of Waiting
Eubank Jr. hasn’t entered the ring since September last year, when he bounced back from a career-defining defeat to Liam Smith. In that rematch, Eubank stopped the Liverpudlian in the 10th round, showing grit and determination after his prior loss. However, despite that victory, a series of potential blockbuster fights have failed to materialise. Discussions with the likes of Conor Benn, Hamzah Sheeraz, and, most notably, Canelo Alvarez have surfaced but never come to fruition.
The frustration is evident in Eubank’s recent appearance on Sky Sports News, where he spoke candidly about his need to get back in the ring. “I’m 34 years old. I’m ready to get back in. I’ve been a year out of the ring and at my age you can’t afford to be doing that,” he admitted. He emphasised that consistency and activity are key, especially as he enters the latter stages of his career.
Targeting Canelo: A Dream or Reality?
While Eubank Jr.’s list of potential opponents is extensive, there’s no denying that a showdown with Canelo Alvarez remains at the top of his agenda. Eubank revealed that his team had entered discussions with Canelo’s camp for a fight in Las Vegas this September. However, due to timing and business disagreements, the fight didn’t materialise. Instead, Canelo will defend his titles against Edgar Berlanga on September 14th.
Eubank, though, hasn’t given up hope. He anticipates that Canelo will emerge victorious against Berlanga and has already earmarked May next year for a potential clash. “We were in talks… It was very last minute. The numbers weren’t right, the business wasn’t right… I want to give myself the best chance possible,” Eubank explained, making it clear that he won’t rush into the fight until he’s fully prepared. He’s not seeking a payday; he’s aiming to win.
Balancing Ambition and Reality
While Eubank Jr. remains confident, he is also acutely aware of the risks. Despite his recent victory over Smith, his defeat earlier in the year, when Smith stopped him inside four rounds, is still fresh in the minds of boxing fans. That performance, following an 11-month layoff, raised questions about his form and readiness for the top level. Eubank is adamant that his time out of the ring won’t hamper him, but he knows he can’t afford another slip-up if he’s to tempt Canelo into the ring.
“Consistency, activity—that’s the key,” Eubank reiterated. Over the next year, he plans to be far more active, with multiple fights on the horizon. He confidently stated, “Over the next 12 months, we’re going to have more than one mega fight.”
What Lies Ahead for Eubank Jr.?
Eubank’s ambition is clear. Alongside Canelo, he has his sights set on some of the biggest names in the sport, both domestically and internationally. While Hamzah Sheeraz wasn’t mentioned in his list of rivals, Eubank did bring up old adversaries like Billy Joe Saunders and Conor Benn, both of whom present intriguing match-ups. He also mentioned world champions such as Erislandy Lara and even floated the possibility of facing Terence Crawford.
With Sky Sports and Boxxer behind him, Eubank now has the platform to make these fights a reality. The next twelve months could define his legacy, but there is little room for error. “A lot of big fights and a lot of huge potential match-ups over the next six months,” Eubank promised, urging fans to “watch this space.”
As Eubank Jr. gears up for his return, one question remains on everyone’s lips: will 2024 finally be the year he steps into the ring with Canelo? Boxing fans will be watching closely as the narrative unfolds.
