Chris Eubank Jr.’s promoter, Ben Shalom, recently discussed the missed opportunity for his fighter to secure a fight against superstar Canelo Alvarez on September 14th. Shalom revealed that the main issue was the inability of Canelo’s management to offer a figure that Eubank Jr. found acceptable for the fight. This situation could have been a life-changing opportunity for Eubank Jr., but unfortunately, it did not materialize.
One of the key factors that contributed to the failed negotiation between Eubank Jr. and Canelo was the former’s limited marketability in the United States. Eubank Jr. is not a household name in the U.S., which could have resulted in lower pay-per-view numbers for the potential fight. Additionally, the British public would have had to show immense support for the fight to be successful, which was uncertain given Eubank Jr.’s standing as a domestic-level fighter even in the UK.
Despite his ambitions, Eubank Jr. has been unable to break into the top echelon of his weight divisions. Since his loss to George Groves in 2018, Eubank Jr. has primarily operated at the British and European levels, failing to secure another world title shot. This lack of exposure at the world stage has hindered his marketability and negotiating power, making it challenging for him to land high-profile fights like the one against Canelo.
While Shalom remains optimistic about a future bout between Eubank Jr. and Canelo, it is evident that significant hurdles need to be overcome. Eubank Jr. would need to demonstrate his worth by facing and defeating elite super middleweights like Diego Pacheco, Caleb Plant, or Christian Mbilli to bolster his negotiating position. However, the likelihood of Eubank Jr. emerging victorious in such matchups remains slim, further complicating his path to a showdown with Canelo.
In reality, the prospects of a Canelo vs. Eubank Jr. fight look bleak unless Eubank Jr. is willing to meet the demands set by Canelo’s team. Without significant victories against top-tier opponents, Eubank Jr. may continue to struggle in negotiations with the boxing superstar. As such, it is probable that Eubank Jr. will opt for lesser opponents to maintain his winning streak, ultimately delaying any potential clash with Canelo.
The road to a fight between Chris Eubank Jr. and Canelo Alvarez remains challenging. While both parties express interest in the matchup, various obstacles, including Eubank Jr.’s marketability and negotiating power, stand in the way. As fans eagerly await a showdown between these two fighters, it is essential for Eubank Jr. to elevate his status in the sport and prove his worth against top contenders to make the dream matchup a reality.