Chris Eubank Jr.’s Future: Canelo Álvarez or Conor Benn? Insights from BOXXER Founder Ben Shalom
In a recent interview with Betfred, BOXXER founder Ben Shalom stirred excitement in the boxing community by revealing that a fight between Chris Eubank Jr. and Canelo Álvarez could be on the horizon. However, Shalom emphasized that Eubank Jr. appears to be prioritizing a long-awaited showdown with Conor Benn.
Canelo Álvarez: A Possible Next Opponent
Shalom confirmed that talks for a potential matchup between Eubank Jr. and Canelo had begun, albeit in a “very, very small way.” He explained, “Canelo could be next. We were talking about doing the fight in September, but it came too late when Chris had been out of the ring for a year. Now he’s had that fight and feels fresh.” This renewed vigor could make Eubank Jr. an attractive option for Canelo, especially with the prospect of a fight at Wembley Stadium.
“Canelo wants a big fight that excites the UK fans, and there’s nobody bigger than Chris Eubank Jr.,” Shalom added, noting Eubank Jr.’s recent performance that made him the “star of the show” despite a stacked card featuring established fighters like Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. The potential for a monumental fight at Wembley, with the possibility of Canelo finally performing in front of a UK audience, adds an intriguing layer to the prospect.
Shalom remains optimistic about the fight’s feasibility, stating, “We would love to [make the fight in the UK]. It just comes down to money really. It depends on whether the UK can generate as much as what Canelo would naturally earn in the US.” He believes the gate could be enormous, predicting a sell-out crowd for such a significant event.
The Grudge Match with Conor Benn
While a clash with Canelo is enticing, the prospect of a grudge match with Conor Benn looms large for Eubank Jr. The two fighters recently clashed in Saudi Arabia, seemingly reigniting a rivalry that began when their 2022 fight was canceled due to Benn’s failed drug tests. Shalom emphasized the personal stakes for Eubank Jr. in this matchup, describing it as a “born rivalry.”
“Everything that was supposed to happen, everything that was said since, what happened in the lead-up… has made it a very tough moment in Chris Eubank Jr’s career,” he explained. Eubank Jr. has maintained his dignity through the controversy and is eager to face Benn. “He can’t wait to get his hands on Conor. He really can’t,” Shalom remarked.
Ensuring Fairness in the Ring
If Eubank Jr. and Benn do come to terms for another fight, Shalom stated that significant changes would be made to ensure fairness. “I’d be very surprised if those circumstances were to repeat themselves, but we’d definitely want to see further testing,” he assured.
The weight class would likely be adjusted to 160 lbs, moving away from the controversial rehydration clause that complicated their previous encounter. Shalom emphasized that the focus would be on creating a more balanced and fair fight. “This time we should get a fairer fight, and that’s all you’d hope for and all you’d expect,” he said, expressing hope that past grievances could be put aside.
Conclusion: A Fork in the Road
As Eubank Jr. stands at a crossroads, with the potential for a high-profile fight against Canelo Álvarez on one side and a deeply personal grudge match against Conor Benn on the other, boxing fans are in for an exhilarating time. Ben Shalom’s insights suggest that both fights hold significant promise, but Eubank Jr.’s determination to settle scores with Benn may take precedence.
With the boxing landscape shifting rapidly, fans can only wait and see what the future holds for Chris Eubank Jr. Will he step into the ring with Canelo next, or will he face off against Conor Benn in a highly anticipated showdown? The excitement continues to build, and one thing is clear: the British boxing scene is buzzing with potential matchups that could define the careers of these fighters.
**What do you think? Would you prefer to see Eubank Jr. take on Canelo or settle the score with Benn first? Share your thoughts in the comments!**
