Chris Eubank Jr’s future teased by promoter with cryptic nod to Conor Benn defeat
Chris Eubank Jr’s recent fight against Conor Benn has sparked conversations about his future in boxing. Following his loss on November 15, 2023, Eubank Jr was decisively outpointed by Benn at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. This loss came seven months after Eubank Jr had defeated Benn at the same venue.
Eubank Jr’s Performance Raises Questions
During the rematch, Eubank Jr, aged 36, struggled significantly. He was dropped twice in the final round and appeared sluggish throughout the bout. Post-fight, Eubank Jr described his preparation as having gone “through hell and back,” yet he did not elaborate on the issues he faced.
Promoter’s Insights on Eubank Jr’s Future
Ben Shalom, Eubank Jr’s promoter from Boxxer, indicated that retirement is not on the horizon for the boxer. He expressed confidence that Eubank Jr will return to the ring, stating: “It’s a ‘when’ he will fight again, not an ‘if.’” Shalom emphasized the need for Eubank Jr to fully recover and deal with the challenges he faced prior to the fight.
Reasons Behind Eubank Jr’s Performance
Shalom suggested that Eubank Jr threw only 30 percent of his potential punches during the rematch, indicating that he was not physically prepared. He remarked that Eubank Jr must be 100 percent ready before returning to the ring, not at only 50 or 60 percent.
Benn’s Plans and Eubank’s Options
Conor Benn, now 29, seems uninterested in a trilogy fight but is focused on returning to the welterweight division. He aims for a world-title shot or to face high-profile opponents. Meanwhile, Eubank Jr has not ruled out the idea of a third bout.
- November 15, 2023: Eubank Jr loses to Benn at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
- Eubank Jr dropped twice in the final round.
- Promoter Ben Shalom believes Eubank Jr will fight again.
- Benn eyeing a return to welterweight for potential title fights.
Shalom expressed concern over Eubank Jr’s condition during the fight, noting that fans familiar with him over the last 15 years could see he was not at his best. He questioned whether Eubank Jr should continue fighting at middleweight or switch to super-middleweight.
In conclusion, while Chris Eubank Jr faces uncertainty after his defeat to Conor Benn, his promoter’s comments suggest that his boxing career is far from over. The next steps will depend on his recovery and readiness to compete at a higher level.
