Latest news with #Eubank
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jermall Charlo's next fight: With the Plant rivalry dead, all signs should point to one big name
Jermall Charlo is in the market for a big-name opponent following Caleb Plant's upset loss. () LAS VEGAS — Armando Resendiz overcame long odds to convincingly defeat Caleb Plant on Saturday and win an interim championship at super middleweight, torching tentative plans to stage a blockbuster all-American fight between Plant and rival Jermall Charlo later this year. Charlo did his part to keep the box-office bout together as he shook off any ring rust from a lengthy absence to knock Thomas LaManna down three times for a stoppage victory, largely thanks to a cultured jab and transferrable power from his days at middleweight, and under. Advertisement Plant told Uncrowned and other reporters backstage that he'll likely pursue a second fight with Resendiz because of a rematch clause in their bout agreement. And though that would leave Charlo with no immediately obvious opponent, there is an enticing alternative for Charlo to revisit, and it's a man he's had no shortage of bad blood with in the past. Meet Chris Eubank Jr. — arguably the hottest commodity in UK boxing right now outside of the big heavyweight Brits. Eubank's stock has never been higher than it is today, as he handily defeated Conor Benn during a Battle of Britain in front of 67,484 people at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on April 26. Advertisement It's been a long time coming for Eubank to become an overnight sensation, but it has its roots in his famous fighting father, Chris Eubank Sr. — a British boxing legend — and his own gradual plod to become a beloved personality himself. I first met Eubank Jr. eight years ago when arranging interviews with him at his basement boxing club in Hove, on the south coast of England. He was cerebral in his responses. He always seemed cool, calm and collected, and was yet able to turn vicious for sporadic in-ring moments after vaulting the ropes and into fights on national television. Despite his Louis Vuitton-wrapped motor vehicles, and Floyd Mayweather-esque fashion sense, he was never too Hollywood to turn down time to talk whenever we saw one another in and around events. He's long had a superstar's aura, but with a man-of-the-people mentality. Advertisement He once signed a fan's microwave, which sparked an eBay bidding war before the unit eventually sold for a £65,900 price tag ($90,000). Eubank promised to donate a matching figure to charity. Mainstream audiences in Britain warmed to Eubank over the years. The more they saw of him, the more they liked him, even though he was branded difficult to work with by veteran boxing promoters. He never needed a second invitation to try to put them, or his opponents, in their place when on stage. Just ask Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren, whom he called scumbags in a recent statement he later retracted, or Liam Smith, who Eubank handled with class when the boxer implied he was gay. Eubank, unfazed, wore a rainbow armband at a later weigh-in event. Smith issued a groveling apology. You could probably ask Jermall Charlo, too. It was 2019 when Charlo and Eubank met each other for the first time. Chris Eubank Jr. makes his inconic ring walk alongside his father. () (Mark Robinson via Getty Images) Charlo had already established himself as a world champion boxer by this point, having won the IBF light middleweight title with a third-round knockout win over Cornelius Bundrage in 2015. He'd beaten Austin Trout and Julian Williams, too. And he'd even become a two-weight champ as he won the WBC's belt at middleweight in subsequent years. Advertisement Charlo was the more decorated fighter by some margin. But Eubank was unimpressed. Charlo trounced Dennis Hogan in seven rounds at a Premier Boxing Champions event inside Barclays Center, Brooklyn, on Dec. 7, 2019. Eubank, also on the bill, picked up a second-round win after Matvey Korobov suffered a dislocated shoulder. 'He is not a likable guy,' Eubank said of Charlo on "The PBC Podcast" at the time. 'Some people say I'm arrogant or cocky, but I'm a down-to-Earth, decent guy. This guy's head is in the clouds. He thinks he's more than he is.' His lightning-quick win over Korobov, a fighter who took Charlo the distance albeit in a 2018 loss, was all the boxing math Eubank needed to feel confident if he were to ever stand across from the American in a headlining fight. 'I would take great pleasure in taking him down a peg or two,' Eubank said. Advertisement Charlo clapped back at Eubank, of course. He accused both Junior and Senior of running their mouths — and being run out of the U.K. At a later event, he said Eubank was just trying to talk his way into a fight. Eubank need not do any talking to warrant a fight this time, having raised his profile enormously since then. He's a tempting consideration for Saul Alvarez. Should "Canelo" ever want to fight in front of a sell-out crowd in a U.K. soccer stadium, then he knows who to go to after Terence Crawford in September. Charlo, too, is trying to get Alvarez's attention. 'I'd rather fight 'Canelo' [now] than Plant,' he told Uncrowned and other reporters last weekend, at the PBC on Prime Video card. Advertisement So to stake a further claim to a "Canelo" payday, Charlo and Eubank should fight each other. Eubank has a name value that should be attractive to Charlo right now, and Charlo can provide something that Eubank dreams of, too. Eubank vs. Charlo is a big-ticket event due to their history, respective journeys, and for how it amplifies an under-appreciated boxing rivalry — U.S. vs U.K. These fights have typically delivered modern-day classics, and we should do more of them. There was Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder's all-time great heavyweight trilogy, Kell Brook's besting of Shawn Porter, and Josh Taylor's edging of Regis Prograis in a Fight of the Year contender. The States got their licks in, too, with Errol Spence smashing Brook in his hometown, and Ryan Garcia climbing off the canvas to finish Luke Campbell. Advertisement Eubank has great familiarity with the States, as he attended Spring Valley High School in Las Vegas as a teenager, and has a deep understanding of American boxing culture. He learned his trade in places like the Top Rank gym and other clubs in Las Vegas. 'It's where I would get my ass kicked every week for months, and years, and that's built the foundation of what I am now,' Eubank told Sky Sports. 'Being in these gyms in Vegas, traveling around, sparring guys [and] learning.' He's been to resident DJ Steve Aoki's home, played chess with Dan Bilzerian, and trained under Floyd Mayweather Sr.'s watchful eye at the Mayweather Boxing Club. The Fight Capital of the World is his 'home away from home,' Eubank said in a Boxxer promo, last year. 'I spend a lot of time out here.' Advertisement The only thing he's not done here, though, is fight. "It's been a dream of mine to fight in Vegas ever since I started," Eubank said last year. "I still haven't done it,' he added. 'It's a very important thing for me to do before I retire.' The city has numerous venues to pick from. Small hall shows land at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan. There's an intimate venue at Virgin Hotels, too. Slightly bigger events headline at Michelob Ultra Arena inside the Mandalay Bay Resort. But the marquee matchups take place at either the MGM Grand Garden Arena — the site Manny Pacquiao picked to make his boxing comeback against Mario Barrios on July 19 — or the T-Mobile Arena, where "Canelo" has been fighting on Mexican holidays. Advertisement 'For me, it was always the MGM Grand [Garden Arena],' Eubank said. 'That's where the massive fights were. [But the T-Mobile Arena], in a short space of time, has actually surpassed the MGM.' 'One day, we're going to fight here,' Eubank finished. 'It's a dream of mine.'
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Josh Kelly vows to KO Conor Benn and slams Chris Eubank Jr in double call out
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) JOSH KELLY has issued a double call out to Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr. Eubank beat Benn in their second generation grudge match in April after 12 thrilling rounds. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Josh Kelly called out to Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr Credit: Getty 2 Eubank beat Benn on points in April Credit: Getty The two are contracted for a rematch but Eubank, 35, was hospitalised for two days after victory due to severe dehydration. He missed the 160lb middleweight limit by an agonising 0.05lb - costing him a £375,000 fine - and had a 10lb reydration clause. And Benn also had to jump over a stone from his regular fighting weight of 147lb. So Kelly - now at 154lb at super-welterweight - is open to welcoming Benn to the division or stepping up to fight Eubank. READ MORE IN BOXING GENDER ROW 'LEAK' Leaked medical document 'proves gender row boxer Imane Khelif is male' He told Sky Sports: 'I'd probably knock Conor Benn out, if not totally outbox him, and I believe I'd totally stand Eubank on his head. 'I don't think Eubank would go anywhere near me. I think I've got more of a chance getting the Conor Benn fight. "If he can't make 147 anymore, or struggles to get down there, I'm the biggest guy at 154.' Kelly is even willing to meet Benn at a 157lb catchweight clash, adding: 'In a heartbeat. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS "It wouldn't even be a question. It would just be like, 'Yes, sign, done.'' Kelly, 31, returns on Friday in Newcastle against Romanian Flavius Biea but has big-money bouts against the likes of Benn, 28, in his sights. He said: 'Conor's a very clever fighter in terms of marketing. I should take a leaf out of his book. I should start shouting everybody out. "I should just say, 'I'm only fighting the ones who are going to make me the most money'.'
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Josh Kelly vows to KO Conor Benn and slams Chris Eubank Jr in double call out
JOSH KELLY has issued a double call out to Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr. Eubank beat Benn in their second generation grudge match in April Advertisement 2 Josh Kelly called out to Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr Credit: Getty 2 Eubank beat Benn on points in April Credit: Getty He missed the 160lb middleweight limit by an agonising 0.05lb - And Benn also had to jump over a stone from his regular fighting weight of 147lb. So Kelly - now at 154lb at super-welterweight - is open to welcoming Benn to the division or stepping up to fight Eubank. Advertisement READ MORE IN BOXING He told 'I don't think Eubank would go anywhere near me. I think I've got more of a chance getting the Conor Benn fight. "If he can't make 147 anymore, or struggles to get down there, I'm the biggest guy at 154.' Kelly is even willing to meet Benn at a 157lb catchweight clash, adding: 'In a heartbeat. Advertisement Most read in Boxing CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS "It wouldn't even be a question. It would just be like, 'Yes, sign, done.'' Kelly, 31, returns on Friday in Newcastle against Romanian Flavius Biea but has big-money bouts against the likes of Benn, 28, in his sights. He said: 'Conor's a very clever fighter in terms of marketing. I should take a leaf out of his book. I should start shouting everybody out. Advertisement "I should just say, 'I'm only fighting the ones who are going to make me the most money'.' Fabio Wardley prepares for dream Portman Road homecoming fight
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Catterall stepping up a weight to face Eubank
Jack Catterall will look to return to winning ways when he takes on undefeated British welterweight rival Harlem Eubank at Manchester's AO Arena on Saturday July 5, live worldwide on DAZN, and in association with Wasserman Boxing. The Chorley fighter makes the move up to 147lbs following his razor close split decision loss to the USA's Arnold Barboza Jr in their interim WBO Super-Lightweight World Title clash in February. Brighton's Eubank is yet to taste defeat since joining the professional ranks back in 2017, and the 31-year-old stopped Belfast's Tyron McKenna in nine rounds to pick up the IBF Intercontinental Title in his hometown last time out in March. 'This is another huge domestic fight that I can really sink my teeth into,' said Catterall. 'After the disappointment of my last fight, I'm grateful to Frank Smith and Eddie Hearn for giving me the opportunity to headline again in Manchester. 'I'm eager to put on a big performance and make a statement in my first fight up at Welterweight. The Eubank name is hot at the moment but I'm ready to put the fire out in style.' 'This is a fight that's been on my radar for a long time, and I'm delighted it's finally happening,' said Eubank. 'Jack is a world-class fighter and, in my view — and many others' — a former undisputed champion. 'These are the elite-level match-ups I've been calling for, and make no mistake, I'm ready. They say timing is everything in boxing, and this summer clash couldn't have come at a better moment in my career.' Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman, said: 'Another huge domestic clash for Chorley's Jack Catterall as he takes on unbeaten Brighton man Harlem Eubank in his first fight up at Welterweight. 'Both men are huge names in British boxing and this is a fight that promises to deliver for the fans. Jack has proved that he belongs on the world stage, and this will be his third headliner in a row in Manchester. 'Harlem comes into this fight in red-hot form, looking to prove that he belongs on the biggest stage. We'll have news on a stacked undercard dropping soon. Catch it all live on the home of boxing, DAZN.' Kalle Sauerland, Global Head of Boxing at Wasserman, said: 'You can't beat a domestic dust-up and Catterall vs. Eubank has all the makings of a classic. 'Jack has been operating at world level for many years, but Harlem has shown with his recent performances that he now belongs on this stage. 'He is one of the biggest names in British boxing, his rise through the levels has been watched by millions of fans and on July 5, in Manchester, another chapter will be written in the famous Eubank story.' Sam Jones, manager of Catterall, said: 'I'm delighted to get this fight done, thank you to Matchroom, Frank and Eddie once again for giving Jack these opportunities. Jack is a world level fighter and after the blip in his last fight, he will make this very conclusive.' Jamie Conlan, manager of Eubank, said: 'As we have seen recently, domestic match-ups are what grips the boxing public, especially if a Eubank is involved. This is a massive fight for British boxing with world level implications. 'Jack's been to the top, fighting for unified World Titles and, in many eyes, should've won. Now, coming off his second loss, he's under pressure to prove himself. Meanwhile, Harlem's riding a wave of momentum in Brighton, having beaten two of Jack's former opponents more convincingly. This is the perfect moment for Harlem to make his mark on world boxing.' 'Fight fans love a proper, well matched domestic matchup,' said Alfie Sharman VP, DAZN. 'Jack is coming off the back of a very close loss, but has shown time and time again that he belongs at the world level. Harlem is a fantastic fighter who is ready to take his moment on the world stage. What a fight we have in store July 5. Watch it live, only on DAZN.' Tickets for Catterall vs. Eubank will be available to purchase via and priced at £40, £60, £100, £200 and £350 (Ringside).
Scottish Sun
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Eddie Hearn ‘expecting' Chris Eubank Jr to rematch Conor Benn NEXT with September 27 at Tottenham eyed for mega-fight
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EDDIE HEARN expects Chris Eubank Jr to rematch Conor Benn NEXT - back at Tottenham's stadium on September 27. The born rivals put on an absolute thriller in front of 67,000 fans at Spurs' £1billion ground - three decades on from their dads' famous fights. 2 Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn look set to rematch Credit: Getty Both ended up in hospital amid the brutality of the 12 rounds with Eubank bed bound for TWO DAYS due to severe dehydration. Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh wasted no time in talking up the contracted rematch back in North London. And promoter Hearn revealed a date is already pencilled in - on the condition Eubank - who will be 36 by that time - is fighting fit. Hearn told SunSport: "You heard His Excellency on the night talk about, I think September 27th at Spurs for us, that's what we're expecting. READ MORE IN boxing 'I couldn't do it' Eubank Jr reveals sour moment between him and Benn after epic fight "The second fight, we signed a contract for two fights, not for a rematch to be exercised for two fights. "So, as far as we're concerned, number two will take place in September, but obviously Eubank's got to be ready and he's got to be comfortable to move forward. "Conor's ready to go now. And obviously he's itching to get back in the ring with Eubank. The first fight was incredible and we'll be ready for number two." The second generation grudge match was initially set for October 2022 at a 157lb catchweight - lower than Eubank had ever been before. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS But it was cancelled after Benn failed two drug tests after testing positive for clomiphene - a substance known to boost testosterone. Benn, 28, protested his innocence and took his career to America for two wins at 150lb while his doping saga dragged on. AJ to have surgery this week as Hearn reveals 'encouraging' Fury fight Eventually, UK Anti-Doping dropped the case against him paving the way for a British boxing return to face Eubank. But, amid the scandal Eubank re-negotiated for a 160lb middleweight bout - his weight for the last six years. The only concession he made was for a 10lb rehydration limit on the morning of the bout. Eubank missed the 160lb mark by an agonising 0.05lb on the Friday weigh-in - costing him a £375,000 fine - but he did make the 170lb rehydration. And despite the former super-middleweight world title challenger's weight struggles - Hearn says terms for the rematch remain unchanged. He said: "Our contract is exactly the same as the first fight. All the terms are the same. We have separate contracts with the Saudis and that's how the deal was done. "So I can't speak on his behalf. What I know is what we signed up for. So we expect that to be delivered." You heard His Excellency on the night talk about, I think September 27th at Spurs for us, that's what we're expecting. Eddie Hearn Eubank's legendary father Chris Sr threatened to boycott the bout over fears of Benn jumping up two weights and his son depleting himself to stay at 160lb. Eventually, he did emotionally reunite with his son on the night of the fight and watched in awe as his eldest earned a unanimous decision. But Sr spent 48 worrying hours by his boy's side in hospital as the weight cut and rehydration took its gruelling toll. And Hearn admits if Eubank is medically unable to make the same weight restrictions then he will consider renegotiating under fresh terms. He said: "Look, I don't represent Eubank. So if it's unsafe for him to make that weight, that's something they've got to raise. "It's not my job to go to you Eubank and go, 'Are you alright mate? Do you want an extra couple of pounds if that'll make you perform better?' "I'm just looking out for Conor Benn, who is in danger by fighting the much bigger guy. "But of course, you never want to see a fighter go in depleted, dehydrated or in a dangerous position. "I don't think his performance reflected that, if I'm honest, I just think it was a war. So that's something for their team to discuss with the Saudis. "If they have a medical problem with that - that would go against the contracts that we've signed - but obviously you've got to make sure it's safe for him to continue."
