Imagine a boxing legend, a fighter who’s danced with greatness but never quite grasped the ultimate prize—a world championship. That’s Chris Eubank Jr, a name synonymous with high-stakes bouts and unyielding determination. But here’s where it gets controversial: after a middleweight defeat in his rematch with Conor Benn, Eubank Jr is eyeing a return to the super-middleweight division, where paths to a world title suddenly seem within reach. Could this be his moment to finally claim the glory that’s eluded him?
Eubank Jr’s career has been a rollercoaster of high-profile fights, yet despite his prowess, he’s only held the lesser-regarded IBO title. His most recent headline-grabbing moments came at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where he faced Conor Benn twice at middleweight, with a fight-day rehydration clause in play. He emerged victorious in the first bout but fell short in the second. And this is the part most people miss: many believe Eubank Jr was weight-drained, a factor that may have contributed to his loss. He’s since acknowledged having “issues” to recover from, leaving fans wondering if a return to super-middleweight could be his redemption arc.
The super-middleweight division is ripe for the taking. Terence Crawford, the former undisputed champion, has retired, leaving the 168-pound belts up for grabs. The WBC has crowned Christian Mbilli as their new champion, with Canelo Alvarez looming as a potential challenger. Here’s the bold question: Could Eubank Jr step into the ring with Mbilli or Alvarez for the WBC title? WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman certainly thinks so, praising Eubank Jr as a “tremendous fighter” and a natural fit for the division. “He’s a world-class fighter without a doubt,” Sulaiman told Sky Sports, hinting that Eubank Jr’s name could soon be in the mix for major fights.
But the competition is fierce. Ilford’s Hamzah Sheeraz is poised to challenge for the WBO super-middleweight title and is favored to win. Sheeraz’s promoter, Frank Warren, has even thrown down the gauntlet, openly welcoming a fight between Sheeraz and Eubank Jr. “I’d bet my house on Hamzah doing a job,” Warren declared. Is this a matchup fans would pay to see, or is Warren underestimating Eubank Jr’s resilience?
Eubank Jr himself remains determined but cautious. “I will not box again until I’m back to 100%,” he stated late last year, leaving his return date uncertain. Yet, he promised fans, “I will do everything in my power to make sure that one day the old me makes a big comeback.”
As the boxing world buzzes with possibilities, one thing is clear: Eubank Jr’s journey to a world title is far from over. Will he rise to the challenge, or will new contenders like Mbilli and Sheeraz dominate the division? What do you think—is Eubank Jr’s best shot at a world title in the super-middleweight division, or is he better off exploring other paths? Let us know in the comments!
Don’t miss the action as Caroline Dubois faces Terri Harper live on Sky Sports on Sunday, April 5. And if you’re not a Sky subscriber, you can still catch all the drama by streaming on NOW.
