Chris Eubank Jr.’s legacy and a possible fight against Saúl ‘Canelo’ Álvarez are at stake in Saturday’s rematch against Conor Benn, according to promoter Ben Shalom. Eubank Jr. seeks consecutive victories over his rival Benn, following his points victory in April. Earlier this week, there was speculation that Eubank Jr. would retire after the fight, but the 36-year-old boxer affirmed that he has no intention of leaving the sport soon. A possible fight against Álvarez is real for Eubank Jr., and although Shalom firmly believes that his boxer will win “in 7 or 8 rounds”, he acknowledged that defeat would end his plans.
Shalom emphasized the importance of securing the fight against Canelo. “We want the fight with Canelo. That’s the fight that makes sense. That’s the fight he’s wanted his whole career. I think it makes sense for Canelo. Canelo has always wanted to fight in the UK, but this is the fight we’re focused on right now. It’s a huge fight. Make a statement and you’ll get that fight.” Shalom also highlighted the impact that trainer Brian “BoMac” McIntyre will have on Eubank Jr. The pair first linked up after Eubank Jr. was knocked out in the fourth round by Liam Smith in 2023, winning the rematch by knockout that same year.His legacy is on the line tomorrow night. If he wins tomorrow night, a dream fight is really set up. But he needs to do it convincingly.
Ben Shalom
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“I wanted Chris to go with him in the first fight. It didn’t happen; I was disappointed. I know what it’s like when he’s with Chris,” Shalom said. “I know he’s the only trainer I’ve probably feared. BoMac doesn’t need to be in Chris Eubank Jr.’s camp. He would have made a fortune with Terence Crawford. “If he’s there, you listen. If he’s there, you do what he says. You get up when he says. You’re in the gym when he says. You spar with who he says. You eat what he says. That’s what Chris Eubank Jr. needs. That’s why he’s so formidable and that’s why he’ll make such a difference in this fight.
