Harlem Eubank’s Views on Chris Eubank Jr’s Future
In the world of professional boxing, Harlem Eubank, the undefeated welterweight and cousin of veteran fighter Chris Eubank Jr, has voiced his preference for Eubank Jr to pursue a high-stakes bout against the renowned Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez rather than engage in a rematch with Conor Benn. Eubank Jr’s professional record stands impressive at 35 wins and three losses; however, he has yet to claim an officially recognized world title.
The Call for a Canelo Match
Following Eubank Jr’s victory over Benn in a highly publicized match held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in April, which occurred two years after an initial bout was derailed due to Benn’s drug test failures, Harlem has stressed the necessity of addressing the significant weight differences should a second showdown between the two Brits take place.
“There is, of course, the potential for significant financial gain from another fight with Benn,” Harlem remarked in an interview with BBC Sport, “but Chris is now 35 years old, and I would prefer to see him take on Canelo and gracefully retire.”
Challenges in the Alvarez Prospect
The prospect of Eubank Jr facing Alvarez is complicated, as it may not be realized until 2026, given that Alvarez is scheduled to defend his undisputed super-middleweight championship against Terence Crawford this coming September.
Concerns Over Rehydration Clauses
Critically, Harlem Eubank also took issue with the rehydration clause that affected his cousin in their last bout. Eubank Jr struggled with the stipulations—being the naturally larger fighter, he was forced to stay under a 10-pound increase from the 11st 6lb limit after the weigh-in. He incurred a hefty fine of £375,000 for a minor overshoot at the first weigh-in but eventually made weight at a subsequent check.
“Weight restrictions should not hold sway in boxing; they can lead to serious injury,” warned Harlem, emphasizing the dangers the sport entails when such practices are allowed.
Legacy and Future Fights
Eubank Jr’s win over Benn effectively resolved a rivalry that had been brewing for over 30 years, rooted in the famous clashes between their fathers in the 1990s. Benn has consistently denied any wrongdoing in the doping scandal that led to his suspension, which was officially lifted in November 2024.
Meanwhile, Harlem Eubank is preparing for his own significant challenge, set to face Jack Catterall in Manchester on July 5. After previously considering a fight with Benn, Harlem has since concluded that Catterall, a former world-title contender, is of a caliber far superior to that of Benn:
“Benn was outpointed decisively by my cousin in a spirited fight. Although he deserves credit for his effort, my upcoming clash is on an entirely different level—Jack has been competing at the highest levels of boxing for years, far beyond where Conor is right now.”
