Chris Eubank Jr makes major career change as he eyes huge Canelo Alvarez fight and two British grudge bouts

5 months ago 59

CHRIS EUBANK JR has found a new home for his boxing career.

The son of British icon Eubank Sr has penned a “historic” deal with Sky Sports and promotional partner Boxxer.

Eubank’s last five bouts have all been on Sky – the last two coming on pay-per-view against Liam Smith.

He was shockingly knocked out by Smith, 35, in January 2023 but avenged the loss with an equally savage stoppage last September.

But Eubank has not boxed since despite recent emerging as a shock contender to face Mexican icon Canelo Alvarez this year.

And Canelo was among the four names on his mind after announcing his latest move.

Eubank, 34, said: “I’ve been in the game for 12 years now and I’m still hungry. I’m still excited. I’m still in love with the sport of boxing.

“I’m in a blessed position right now where there are four or five 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.”

Eubank was beaten by former world champ Saunders, 34, in 2014 and they have been linked with a bitter rematch ever since.

In 2022, he signed for a sensational fight against Benn, 26, nearly three decades removed from their fathers’ famous rematch.

But the bout was pulled with only days to go after Benn failed a drug test – which he is still serving a British Boxing Board of Control suspension for.

The likes of Crawford, 36, and Canelo, 33, have emerged as more surprising names to be linked with Eubank.

But the middleweight is among the final shortlist of opponents being considered by Canelo for his anticipated return in September.

And promoter Ben Shalom said: “I’m incredibly excited to work with Chris to make sure we fully realise his huge potential and fierce ambition.

“We’ve had the privilege of working with Chris on some massive fight nights in the UK and there will be plenty more to come in the UK and worldwide.

“He is a bonafide pay-per-view star. The hunger and ambition is there. We can’t wait to see him back in action and involved in some massive fights.”