Chris Eubank Jr. Making Moves, Targeting Canelo, Crawford And Next-Level Stardom

Chris Eubank Jr., the second generation star who some will argue has underachieved to a degree over the course of his nearly 13-year pro career, is now ready for the big time and the big names. That’s what he says, anyway.

It was just announced that the 34-year-old Eubank has signed a promotional partnership with Ben Shalom’s BOXXER, joining a UK-based stable that includes WBO World Cruiserweight Champion Chris Billam-Smith, rising star Ben Whittaker, unified welterweight world champion Lauren Price, and WBO top light heavyweight contender Joshua Buatsi, among others.

Eubank’s name emerged last week in a rumor placing him as the front runner to land the role of B-side in Saul “Canelo” Alvarez’s next bout. Per reports, his name now tops the short list off possible Canelo foes that also includes Edgar Berlanga and Jermall Charlo.

Eubank’s alliance with BOXXER, however, speaks of a fighter who knows he’s closing in on something big and wants to make sure the deal gets made. As a matter of fact, per Eubank, his BOXXER plans extend beyond a big-ticket Canelo clash.

Chris Eubank Jr. Details Big Plans

“We have big plans over the next 12 to 24 months,” Eubank said via press release. “There are big fights in the pipeline and these guys can make it happen.”

“I’ve been in the game for 12 years now and I’m still hungry. I’m still excited,” the former interim WBA middleweight champ added. “I’m still in love with the sport of boxing. I’m in a blessed position right now where there are 4 or 5 different names out there that are mega fights that everybody wants to see. Canelo Alvarez, Terence Crawford, Conor Benn, Billy Joe Saunders– and that’s just off the top of my head. There are many more fights out there that can be made, even domestically, so I’m in an exciting position.”

The UK native, sporting a record of 33-3 with 24 KOs, is the son of former two-division former world champ Chris Eubank. He’s coming off a tenth-round TKO of Liam Smith this past September to avenge a controversial fourth-round TKO to Smith eight months prior. Eubank’s high-water mark performances have come in victories over Smith, James DeGale, Arthur Abraham, and Matt Korobov, as well as in close losses to George Groves and former Canelo opponent, Billy Joe Saunders.

Despite having the look, the pedigree, and the raw potential of a star, Eubank has yet to put it all together to actually make himself a main stage boxing star. This new promotional deal will either open doors to achieving that end or, at the very least, make him some good money while skirting around the second tier of the sport. Time will tell.