What’s Next For Eubank Jr.?

Chris Eubank Jr. defeated Conor Benn, raising question marks over his next steps.

Eubank defied the obstacles he was facing to secure a big win after having had to abide by strict weight stipulations. He agreed to a 160-pound catchweight, with the 10-pound rehydration clause. Meanwhile, Benn was moving up a single weight class from 154 pounds. He is likely to rematch Benn next, given that there is a rematch clause in place. Eubank would earn another significant payday, making him more of the A-side since he has secured the win.

He may also push for safer weight stipulations, given that he is now in a pole position after having secured the win. Eubank Sr. did not attend the fight after citing his safety concerns, which were exacerbated when Eubank failed to make weight. While he did make the rehydration clause limit of 10 pounds, looking back, Eubank did push himself to the limit. 

Options

Alternatively, Eubank could explore other opportunities at middleweight. He is ranked number three in the IBF rankings, where the title is currently held by the champion Janibek Alimkhanuly. Equally, Eubank could also pursue the WBC belt. He is ranked number three in the rankings, and the current champion is Carlos Adames. Adames secured a draw in his last fight against Hamzah Sheeraz, a fight where he had arguably done enough to win. Adames is also at the tailend of his career, as Eubank may fancy his chances of securing a world title.

There is also the prospect of a big fight against Canelo Alvarez at 168. The WBC has said they would back such a fight if the circumstances were right. Canelo will fight William Scull next, followed by Terence Crawford as the fight could then take place in 2026. Either way, Eubank has plenty of options.

“I knew I was capable of that, I just needed someone to bring that out of me. I’m not going to lie, I didn’t expect that he’d be the guy to do that,’ he said in the aftermath. But the fact that our fathers did what they did all those years ago, it brings about a different soul and spirit into you, and that’s what we showed tonight,” Eubank said

Full Card

Chris Eubank Jr. def. Conor Benn via unanimous decision (116-112 x3) (live blog) | Highlights

Anthony Yarde def. Lyndon Arthur via unanimous decision (115-113, 116-112 x2)

Aaron McKenna def. Liam Smith via unanimous decision (119-108, 117-109, 118-108)

Viddal Riley def. Cheavon Clarke via unanimous decision (116-112, 117-111, 115-113)

Chris Billam-Smith def. Brandon Glanton via unanimous decision (116-113, 116-112 x2)