Terence Crawford and Chris Eubank Jr. could face off in a middleweight bout.
Crawford has not fought since beating Errol Spence Jr. to become the first Undisputed Welterweight Champion of the four-belt era. The Spence rematch broke down after Crawford distanced himself from the boxer following his excuse for his loss. Spence blamed vision problems for the reason he was hit so many times, thus downplaying Crawford’s win as the boxer moved on.
A fight with Canelo Alvarez failed after the Mexican said he would get no credit for beating a smaller man. But Eubank could be an alternative. They both have the same trainer, Brian McIntyre, making it easier to make a fight. That would require Crawford to move up two weight classes to 160 pounds. Since it would be a non-title fight, Crawford may look elsewhere. But it could be held in the UK for a potentially lucrative fight. Eubank fueled those rumors by posting a poster of the two on his social media.
Crawford vs Eubank Jr.
But if that fight does not happen, there are other options available. Eubank Jr. had been linked with fighting Conor Benn. They were on course to face each other at a 157-pound catchweight bout. But the fight was called off after Benn failed two VADA tests for Clomiphene. Benn maintained his innocence, but the British Boxing Board of Control did not sanction the fight.
UKAD suspended Benn, but the National Anti-Doping Agency removed the suspension. However, the British Boxing Board of Control appealed the decision, meaning he could only fight in the UK once he was cleared. That has prevented the Eubank fight, given that it would only sell in the UK. Eubank and Benn are not major names in the US. But Eubank’s promoter, Kalle Sauerland, has suggested that a fight is still possible.
Eubank Jr. vs Benn
“I think we were close last year, I just think that it dragged on too long and things like that in boxing explode. It’s not on the table at the moment, it’s not being discussed. I think Benn has a hearing this week but I’m not part of the Benn team. That would have a big impact on the way that fight’s seen, although he’s just fought in Vegas, and there’s the opportunity to do it abroad.
“But right now it’s not being discussed, it’s actually quite a simple deal to put together if things go his way with his hearing but as of right now there’s no discussions. “I don’t like talking on behalf of Junior, but he’s signed for that fight before, that fight is much bigger now than when he signed for it given the two years of storylines, so yeah I assume it would be quite high up the rankings [for him],” Kalle Sauerland stated
Eubank’s last bout was a stoppage win over Liam Smith. That allowed him to avenge his loss in the first bout. But given that Eubank is now 34, he is in the latter part of his career. The boxer’s focus will now be on securing the biggest fights in his career.
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