What’s Next for Chris Eubank Jr. Two Months Removed From Conor Benn Victory?
The hugely anticipated fight between Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn finally took place back in April, and the fight delivered on all the pre-match hype and more. A potential bout between the two had long been mooted, especially considering the fact that both fighters’ fathers clashed numerous times back in the 1990s with championship gold on the line. A failed drug test and subsequent suspension for Benn only added fuel to the already roaring inferno.
The pre-fight build-up was as wild as it gets. Eubank Jr. slapped his rival in the face with an egg, a move that saw him fined £100,000. The stunt saw his own father label him as a disgrace in the press, seemingly dispelling any hopes of seeing father and son reunited on fight night. Then, at the weigh-ins, Eubank Jr. missed weight by a twentieth of a pound, resulting in him forfeiting a further £375,000 to Benn.
Eubank Delivers
On fight night, however, none of that mattered. Despite father and son appearing to be at odds, they were indeed reunited for a ring walk of epic proportions. Then, when Eubank Jr. and Benn finally got to lay down leather on each other, the two delivered a fight for the ages, one of the best that British boxing has ever seen.
Online betting odds providers couldn’t split the two fighters heading into the contest. Such outlets made the more experienced Eubank Jr. a narrow 1/2 favorite to get the victory, with Benn a live underdog. Many people were using a betting odds payout calculator to see how much they could win before the match. In the end, it seems the bookies’ pricing was bang on the money as the 35-year-old veteran secured a close but deserved unanimous decision victory, just as the odds suggested he would.
Securing the win over Benn in a family feud that spanned decades offered a sense of closure, but the bigger question looms large now: What comes next for the former IBO champion? Eubank remains a force in boxing, but time is not on his side. As he eyes his next move, several enticing options lie before him.
Conor Benn Rematch
The electric atmosphere surrounding Eubank Jr. and Benn’s first encounter left fans hungry for more. With decades of rivalry forged by their fathers, the fight carried a deep emotional weight. The action in the ring did not disappoint, delivering drama from start to finish. Benn came out swinging, hoping his youthful exuberance would be enough for him to close the show earlier, but Eubank’s experience and ability to rally in later rounds proved decisive.
Now, there is some clamor for a rematch. The initial bout did indeed have a rematch clause both ways, regardless of the winner. And besides that, the financial stakes are impossible to ignore. A second fight would undoubtedly generate massive pay-per-view numbers and appeal to a broad audience captivated by their personal history.
Additionally, Benn has outspokenly voiced his desire to avenge the loss. “I’d love to do the rematch and set things right,” he said post-fight. Yet obstacles remain. Harlem Eubank, Chris’s cousin, recently expressed doubt about the rematch’s viability, urging Eubank Jr. to prioritize a more significant legacy fight instead, while his father, Chris Sr., has uttered the same sentiment.
Additionally, the weight clauses of their April bout remain a contentious point. But even so, as the old saying goes, if it makes money, it makes sense. Eubank Jr. vs Benn II would certainly make plenty of that.
Canelo Alvarez
If Eubank Jr. is to cement his place in British boxing history, a fight against the legendary Saul “Canelo” Alvarez may provide his best shot. The Mexican superstar is widely considered one of the sport’s all-time greats and is the reigning undisputed super middleweight champion. While the veteran Brit has been campaigning at middleweight in recent times, he has fought at 168 pounds before, and moving up in weight isn’t thought to be too much of a problem.
A showdown against Canelo would catapult Eubank into the global spotlight. “Fighting Alvarez would be his legacy-defining moment,” Harlem Eubank stated, emphasizing the significance of such a bout. The stakes couldn’t be higher for Eubank, offering not just the opportunity to claim every major super middleweight title but also the chance to secure his name in boxing folklore.
However, logistics could complicate this dream match. Canelo is set to face Terence Crawford later this year in a monumental clash of champions, meaning Eubank would need to wait until 2026 for his chance. At 35 years old, time is a critical factor for Eubank, who might hesitate to postpone his title aspirations for another 12 months.
Title Aspirations at Middleweight
Eubank Jr. is currently ranked in the middleweight division, and he has been campaigning at 160 pounds since 2019. The WBA currently ranks the Brit at number six, while the WBC has him listed at number three. Title shots against those respective belt holders, namely Erislandy Lara and Carlos Adames, could provide one last opportunity for Eubank Jr. to finally become a recognized world champion.
A fight against the ferocious Adames could serve as one of the most exciting bouts for purists. The 31-year-old Dominican Adames has proven himself a dangerous fighter, and beating him would elevate Eubank’s status in the division. It’s also the bout that would make the WBC champion the most money, especially if it took place in the UK.
Erislandy Lara, on the other hand, brings a different challenge. Known for his slick technical skills and defensive mastery, the Cuban has enjoyed somewhat of a late-career renaissance, picking up four straight knockout victories, including most recently against former welterweight champion Danny Garcia. While the reigning WBA champion is a masterful boxer, his advancing years certainly make him beatable, and that could be the desired option for Eubank Jr heading forward.
