Latest news with #ChrisEubankJr
The Independent
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Hamzah Sheeraz or Chris Eubank Jr - who will get the next shot at Canelo?
As soon as one fight is over, the modern boxer instantly eyes up their next move in the sweet science. Bouts are frequently confirmed and announced inside the ring moments after a winner is pronounced, whilst some champions are promoting future fights before they have faced their next scheduled opponent. Hamzah Sheeraz went into his clash with Edgar Berlanga knowing that victory would take him one step closer to a fight with Saúl 'Canelo' Álvarez, Saturday night's bout an eliminator for the WBC super middleweight title. In the build-up to the fight, Berlanga often made reference to the fact that Sheeraz was supposedly in line for a shot at the undisputed champion at 168lbs, a position strengthened post-fight by boxing's kingmaker Turki Alalshikh. Despite Alalshikh's fondness for Sheeraz, the chairman of the Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority has previously hinted at the Londoner's fellow Brit, Chris Eubank Jr, facing Canelo. Like Canelo, who faces Terence Crawford in one of the most anticipated fights in the 21st century, Eubank Jr is already scheduled to fight in September, the Eubank-Benn family rivalry reignited in a rematch with Conor Benn. But looking past September's fights, who is likelier to face Canelo – rising star Sheeraz, or veteran Chris Eubank Jr? The case for Hamzah Sheeraz Hamzah Sheeraz has a big advantage in securing a fight with Canelo. He is clearly favoured by Turki Alalshikh, as evidenced by his frequent involvement on Riyadh Season cards. Whilst the Londoner's knockout of Edgar Berlanga stole the show during The Ring's third promotion, it was a slight surprise to see a non-world title fight headline a card featuring lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson. Alalshikh is obviously keen to push Sheeraz as much as possible, and his plans for a fight with Canelo seem far more concrete than his previous comments on a match-up between Álvarez and Eubank Jr. The fact that Canelo's upcoming bout with Terence Crawford marks the second of a four-fight deal with Alalshikh suggests that boxing's kingmaker holds more negotiating power when it comes to teeing up a clash between the Mexican and Sheeraz. He took to social media after Sheeraz's victory on Saturday, stating the 26-year-old deserved to face Canelo in 2026. Hamzah now deserves Canelo in 2026🔥🥊 — TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) July 13, 2025 In his post-fight interview, Sheeraz still spoke of the fight as a possibility, rather than a certainty. Sheeraz commented: "I'm not gonna sit here and loudmouth someone like [Canelo], but it would be an honour to share the ring with him. It genuinely would. Someone who, like I said, I've looked up to. 'And the next thing you know, you're in the ring with them. Do you know what I mean? So, like I said, it's an accomplishment itself. But one thing I can guarantee is if I do ever share the ring with Canelo, it's not gonna be the case of what happened in his last fight [against William Scull], where his opponent was trying to run. "I promise you guys, like it's on camera here, even if I get knocked out, I will stand there and trade with him at the end of the day. Do you know what I mean? 'So, I'll put on a good performance, because that's what it's about … being great, daring to be great. And I know I'll do just that." The case for Chris Eubank Jr Chris Eubank Jr started his boxing career away from the UK to avoid the weight of his family name, the super middleweight named after his world champion father Chris Eubank. However, even 'Next Gen' could not deny the benefits of having boxing royalty for a father. Despite his lack of world title fights, Eubank Jr has always been able to command a high profile, with his name recognised both sides of the Atlantic. Although Canelo's name alone can sell a fight, the Mexican has proven to be just as canny a businessman as he is a boxer, and Álvarez will know that a fight with Eubank Jr will likely generate more money than a bout against Sheeraz. The timelines also line up, with Canelo facing Terence Crawford on September 13, a week before Eubank Jr's rematch with Conor Benn. Canelo and Eubank Jr are also in the mid-thirties, at 34 and 35 respectively, likely meaning that they will need similar recovery times before returning to the ring to face each other. Both Eubank Jr's manager, Elliott Amoakoh, and promoter, Ben Shalom, have spoken with confidence about a fight with Canelo being made after facing Benn for a second time. In June, Amoakah told talkSPORT: 'Hopefully Canelo gets through Terence Crawford, we get through Conor Benn and then they'll do it next. 'So that's the negotiations going on right now. Turki [Alalshikh] promised it to us. If Chris comes through that, Eubank Jr-Canelo, here we go. That's what we want. We get through Conor Benn and then we want Canelo.' The only sticking point is that rematch with Benn. Although Eubank Jr took a unanimous decision victory over his rival, it came at great physical cost. Another all-out war not only carries the danger of further excessive wear and tear, but also a loss to Benn. Defeat could impact Eubank Jr's stock – or lead to a trilogy bout with Benn, rather than a match-up with Canelo. Could Canelo end up fighting both Hamzah Sheeraz and Chris Eubank Jr? Canelo's desire for a stadium fight in the UK possibly opens the door for another fight against a Brit. Despite enjoying a healthy record over British fighters, Álvarez has never fought in the UK, with his eight victories over Brits taking place in the US and Mexico. For example, if Canelo was to fight Sheeraz out in the States, perhaps afterwards the 'Brit Basher' could make his Wembley dream come true with a bout against Eubank Jr under the arch. Although helped by the rivalry with Conor Benn, Eubank Jr has proven that he is a headlining-draw in the UK, having sold out stadiums before. Ultimately, Canelo will likely pick opponents that generate the most money - with Sheeraz's Saudi backing and Eubank Jr's name-appeal, both fighters could yet share the ring with the face of boxing. Matchroom, Queensberry, Golden Boy, Misfits, PFL, BKFC, GLORY and more. An Annual Saver subscription is a one-off cost of £119.99 / $224.99 (for 12 months access), that's just 64p / $1.21 per fight. There is also a Monthly Flex Pass option (cancel any time) at £24.99 / $29.99 per month.
BBC News
4 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Eubank Jr-Benn rematch 'dead'
A rematch between British rivals Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn is "dead", says promoter Eddie beat Benn in a unanimous points decision at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in April.A second bout had been agreed for 20 September, however, it was revealed earlier this week the contest was unlikely to take who promotes Benn, told BBC Sport his fighter was now looking to move away from the rematch, with eyes instead on a world title shot."At the moment the fight between Eubank and Benn is dead," he revealed. "September 20th was the date, now I believe there is some kind of conversation about a November fight."Benn isn't interested in being messed around or waiting around. He would love and arguably prefer a shot at the world title. "If that presented itself, then we would definitely look at that option."Benn, 28, has also claimed to be looking at alternative options, with a move back down to welterweight on the cards. He told BBC Sport: "We signed a two-fight deal, we were ready to go. The date was announced straight after the first fight for September, done a lot of negotiations in terms of venues, dates. "They had all agreed September 20th, then Eubank came out and said he wasn't ready."Asked if Benn was prepared to wait until the end of the year, Hearn added: "So we have to give them a chance."We just appeal to Eubank, if you're not ready to go back to war with Benn and you'd rather sit at a poker table in Las Vegas, good luck to you. But let us move on.""We're ready to move on, drop down to 147 and get a world title," said first fight was organised by Ring Magazine, which is owned by Turki Alalshikh, and it was thought the rematch would also fall under the Riyadh Season on Saturday's broadcast before Oleksandr Usyk's win over Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium, Alalshikh said the Eubank-Benn bout could still happen and suggested January or February as potential alternative has not commented on the situation himself, and it is unclear when an official decision will be 35-year-old was fined £10,000 earlier this month by the British Boxing Board of Control over "misuse of social media" in the build-up to the first contest.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Conor Benn gives ‘scared' Chris Eubank Jr strict timeline after rematch ‘falls apart'
Conor Benn has insisted that he is 'not waiting around' for a rematch with 'scared' Chris Eubank Jr after their planned bout seemingly fell apart. In April, Eubank Jr outpointed Benn in a thrilling contest at London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where their rematch is – or was – intended to take place in September. Follow our live coverage of Usyk vs Dubois 2 from Wembley Stadium However, it was suggested on Thursday by Benn and Eddie Hearn, his promoter, that plans had been shelved, with 'The Destroyer' stating that 'this rematch falling apart had nothing to do with me'. With further goals of world title glory in his sights, Benn has added that he will not stand around waiting for Eubank Jr to agree on a revised date. ''I'm not waiting,' he told Sky Sports. 'I'm not waiting around. I feel like my career has sort of been on hold to give the fans this fight, and I'm glad that the fight delivered, but now I've got to just tick the box off on my personal goals, which is winning a WBC world title. "It's either [moving back down to] 147lbs for me or the rematch. I'm ready to honour my side of the agreement, which was a two-fight deal [at middleweight] and it's safe to say he's scared. He almost lost. It could have gone either way. To a welterweight." There are claims that Eubank Jr is seeking a rematch with Benn in November, a date which Riyadh Season and Sela are considering, according to Ring Magazine. Benn's April defeat by Eubank Jr marked a unique extension of their fathers' rivalry in the 1990s, when Chris Sr beat Nigel Benn before the Britons fought to a draw in their rematch. Benn's sentiment on the situation echoes that of Hearn, who told talkSPORT on Thursday: 'Obviously, we have a two-fight deal with Chris Eubank Jr. His Excellency [Turki Alalshikh] has told Eubank that 20 September is the date. Chris Eubank Jr, left, defeated Conor Benn in April (Bradley Collyer/PA) (PA Wire) 'As I understand it, there has been a little bit of radio silence from Eubank. Part of me feels like he might not fight again. Obviously, that was a very taxing fight with Conor Benn. 'Hamzah Sheeraz is now in place to fight [Saul] 'Canelo' Alvarez if he comes through [Terence] Crawford, so Eubank is in limbo if he doesn't take the Conor Benn fight. 'Maybe physically, he doesn't want to go to war again. If he doesn't, the whole world wants to fight Conor Benn right now.' The Greenwich-born bruiser has even urged Eubank Jr, 35, to retire from the sport to prevent the rematch saga from being drawn out. "Take it, take it. Just take the win. Take the win. Your dad didn't want the rematch of my dad," he said. "Sail off into the sunset. You're done, and you move on, and I move on and secure my legacy of winning the world title.' If a rematch does not go ahead, Hearn has touted Shakur Stevenson as Benn's next opponent, who outpointed William Zependa on the undercard of Hamzah Sheeraz's title eliminator with Edgar Berlanga on Saturday - which Sheeraz emerged victorious in.
The Independent
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Conor Benn gives ‘scared' Chris Eubank Jr strict timeline after rematch ‘falls apart'
Conor Benn has insisted that he is 'not waiting around' for a rematch with 'scared' Chris Eubank Jr after their planned bout seemingly fell apart. In April, Eubank Jr outpointed Benn in a thrilling contest at London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where their rematch is – or was – intended to take place in September. However, it was suggested on Thursday by Benn and Eddie Hearn, his promoter, that plans had been shelved, with 'The Destroyer' stating that 'this rematch falling apart had nothing to do with me'. With further goals of world title glory in his sights, Benn has added that he will not stand around waiting for Eubank Jr to agree on a revised date. ''I'm not waiting,' he told Sky Sports. 'I'm not waiting around. I feel like my career has sort of been on hold to give the fans this fight, and I'm glad that the fight delivered, but now I've got to just tick the box off on my personal goals, which is winning a WBC world title. "It's either [moving back down to] 147lbs for me or the rematch. I'm ready to honour my side of the agreement, which was a two-fight deal [at middleweight] and it's safe to say he's scared. He almost lost. It could have gone either way. To a welterweight." There are claims that Eubank Jr is seeking a rematch with Benn in November, a date which Riyadh Season and Sela are considering, according to Ring Magazine. Benn's April defeat by Eubank Jr marked a unique extension of their fathers' rivalry in the 1990s, when Chris Sr beat Nigel Benn before the Britons fought to a draw in their rematch. Benn's sentiment on the situation echoes that of Hearn, who told talkSPORT on Thursday: 'Obviously, we have a two-fight deal with Chris Eubank Jr. His Excellency [ Turki Alalshikh ] has told Eubank that 20 September is the date. Enjoy 185+ fights a year on DAZN, the Global Home of Boxing Never miss a fight from top promoters. Watch on your devices anywhere, anytime. See Schedule ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. 'As I understand it, there has been a little bit of radio silence from Eubank. Part of me feels like he might not fight again. Obviously, that was a very taxing fight with Conor Benn. ' Hamzah Sheeraz is now in place to fight [Saul] 'Canelo' Alvarez if he comes through [Terence] Crawford, so Eubank is in limbo if he doesn't take the Conor Benn fight. 'Maybe physically, he doesn't want to go to war again. If he doesn't, the whole world wants to fight Conor Benn right now.' The Greenwich-born bruiser has even urged Eubank Jr, 35, to retire from the sport to prevent the rematch saga from being drawn out. "Take it, take it. Just take the win. Take the win. Your dad didn't want the rematch of my dad," he said. "Sail off into the sunset. You're done, and you move on, and I move on and secure my legacy of winning the world title.' If a rematch does not go ahead, Hearn has touted Shakur Stevenson as Benn's next opponent, who outpointed William Zependa on the undercard of Hamzah Sheeraz's title eliminator with Edgar Berlanga on Saturday - which Sheeraz emerged victorious in.
The Independent
7 days ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Conor Benn blames rival Chris Eubank Jr for proposed rematch ‘falling apart'
Conor Benn has laid the blame for his proposed rematch against Chris Eubank Jr 'falling apart' at his bitter rival's door. The British pair engaged in a ferocious battle at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in April, with Eubank Jr prevailing by a close but clear unanimous decision to hand Benn his first defeat as a professional. Much of the focus centred on Eubank Jr's cut to the 160lb middleweight limit and subsequent rehydration clause, and the 35-year-old was hospitalised for two days after the fight owing to severe dehydration. A return bout had been in the offing for September 20 but it now appears on the verge of collapse, with Saudi kingpin Turki Alalshikh and Riyadh Season reportedly withdrawing from the negotiations. Benn said in a statement to Ring Magazine: 'This rematch falling apart had nothing to do with me. I was ready to go on the scheduled Sept 20 date. I'm not sure what happened to Chris Eubank.' The first fight rekindled memories of their fathers' fierce dust-ups, with Chris Eubank Sr defeating Nigel Benn in November 1990 before a hard-fought draw three years later. Eubank Sr was an outspoken critic of their children renewing the rivalry 32 years on, with Eubank Jr campaigning at middleweight or super-middleweight during his career and Benn primarily a welterweight. Eubank Jr incurred a £375,000 fine after missing the middleweight limit by half an ounce but came in under the stipulated rehydration weight of 170lbs on the day of the fight. The rematch was expected to be on the same weight terms but Benn's promoter Eddie Hearn cast doubt on Eubank Jr fighting again. Hearn told IFL TV: 'We've said to Eubank that is the date. And if you don't take the fight on that date, the fight doesn't work. 'There are no stadiums available. Commercially you guys are on a fortune. So if Eubank is not prepared to take the fight on September 20, I don't think there will be a fight. 'That's not my decision, that's a decision of (Alalshikh). Eubank probably can't be bothered to go back into camp. I'm not sure if he'll ever fight again. I've just got the feeling he doesn't want it.'
