Chris Eubank Jr has confirmed that while negotiations for a fight with Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez in September fell through, he believes the bout could still take place in May of next year. Eubank is optimistic about securing more than one “mega-fight” in the next 12 months.
Eubank stated, “I’m not in a rush, especially not after a year layoff, and not when the numbers he’s offering aren’t right, just because he thinks everyone can jump to his beat. The fight makes a lot more sense next year.”
Although Canelo is set to face Edgar Berlanga instead, Eubank believes this will heighten interest in a potential fight against himself. He criticized Berlanga, saying, “Berlanga’s unproven. He hasn’t fought anyone of significance. He talks about IQ, claiming he has a better IQ than the fighters Canelo has faced, but I don’t believe that—he genuinely doesn’t have a chance in this fight, and many share that sentiment.”
Eubank also commented on Canelo’s options, noting, “There are only a handful of fighters Canelo can choose to fight, which is why I’m not worried about the fight falling through in September. Who else can he fight? There are just a few names left.”
In a potential matchup with pound-for-pound champion Terence Crawford, Eubank is not deterred by the fact that they share the same trainer, Brian “BoMac” MacIntyre. He mentioned, “That fight can definitely still happen. Crawford is moving up through the weight divisions. He fought at 154lbs in his last bout and is likely looking to reach 160lbs in the next six to twelve months before possibly moving to 168lbs to challenge Canelo.”
“I’m currently at 160lbs,” Eubank added. “There are only a few marquee names in these divisions, so exciting times are ahead. Even if he and BoMac are training together, if the fight happens, BoMac will go with the fighter he has developed over time, sharing information between camps.”
Despite this, Eubank remains confident, stating, “I think he’s too small. Regardless of any information he might get from training with me and BoMac, I don’t believe that will impact the fight’s outcome. I don’t think he can beat me at that weight.”
Credit: Sky Sports
