Talks Restart About Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez vs. Chris Eubank Jnr
Negotiations between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Chris Eubank Jnr are once again underway, according to Eubank’s promoter, Ben Shalom. Earlier in 2024, discussions had reached an advanced stage for a potential bout in Las Vegas, slated for September. However, Alvarez ultimately chose to face Edgar Berlanga instead. Despite this, he remains open to the idea of an outdoor fight against Eubank in the UK. Eubank expressed confidence in the matchup, stating, “That fight can absolutely happen within the next year,” highlighting the limited pool of fighters available to Alvarez. He noted that aside from David Benavidez, few names remain that fans are eager to see him face, particularly in his weight class.
Eubank, who has primarily fought at middleweight but competed at super middleweight between 2017 and 2019, has faced challenges making the 160-pound limit. His recent victory over Kamil Szeremeta on October 12 followed a period of inactivity, leading to criticism for previously declining Alvarez’s overtures. Eubank emphasized the importance of being fully prepared for such high-stakes matches, stating, “I won’t go into a fight just to turn up.” Shalom further clarified that the delay in negotiations stemmed more from Eubank’s situation than from Alvarez’s side. The possibility of Wembley Stadium as a venue was mentioned, but logistical issues during September, particularly with the Daniel Dubois – Anthony Joshua fight, complicated matters.
The Potential Matchup and Its Implications
Despite the uncertainties, Eubank and Shalom have expressed a strong preference for a fight against Alvarez over a domestic rivalry with Conor Benn, who is currently under provisional suspension in the UK due to a doping violation. Shalom believes that Alvarez recognizes Eubank as the only opponent capable of generating significant interest and revenue if he fights in the UK. He remarked, “If he’s ever going to fight in the UK, that’s the fight and that would sell out Wembley Stadium. That’s No. 1 on the list for me.”
While the details of the matchup remain unconfirmed, Eubank is now focusing on the potential bout with Alvarez. He stated, “Me and Canelo would be a hell of a build-up,” anticipating a compelling clash of personalities and backgrounds. As discussions continue, both fighters and their promoters seem eager to make this high-profile matchup a reality, which could be a significant event for boxing fans worldwide.
