Could Chris Eubank Jr. be on the cusp of a sensational return to the super-middleweight division, aiming for a world title shot? After a recent setback in the middleweight division, Eubank Jr. might be eyeing a move back up in weight, and the path to a world championship at 168lbs appears to be wide open.
Eubank Jr. boasts a career filled with memorable bouts, yet a world championship belt has eluded him, despite holding the less prestigious IBO strap. His most recent high-profile appearances saw him in a double-header against Conor Benn at middleweight, a series of fights that took place at the iconic Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. These bouts included a fight-day rehydration clause, a detail that often sparks debate among boxing purists. Eubank Jr. emerged victorious in the first encounter but was defeated in the rematch.
But here's where it gets controversial... Eubank Jr. himself has alluded to experiencing "issues" and feeling "weight drained" after these middleweight contests, suggesting that the extreme weight cut might have impacted his performance. This raises a crucial question: was the middleweight division truly the right fit for him, or did it hinder his potential?
Now, the prospect of a return to super-middleweight presents exciting new possibilities. With the landscape at 168lbs shifting, new opportunities are emerging. Terence Crawford, who recently became the undisputed super-middleweight champion, has now retired, leaving those prestigious belts vacant. This creates a vacuum that ambitious fighters can fill.
And this is the part most people miss... The WBC has recently elevated Christian Mbilli to become their new super-middleweight world champion. This move could set up a fascinating showdown between Mbilli and the highly-ranked Canelo Alvarez, a fight that boxing fans have been anticipating. Eubank Jr. could find himself in contention for a future bout against either Mbilli or Alvarez for that coveted WBC title.
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman weighed in on Eubank Jr.'s potential, stating, "Absolutely. Chris Eubank a tremendous fighter. I believe he sacrificed too much with the weight and he's a natural fighter for that division. Great potential. Super fighter." He further emphasized, "He's a world-class fighter without a doubt."
Sulaiman also highlighted the exciting talent emerging in the division, mentioning potential contenders like Canelo Alvarez, Jaime Munguia, Lester Martinez, and Luka Plantic, all of whom could provide compelling matchups for the new champion, Mbilli. He shared Mbilli's inspiring journey from Cameroon to France and Canada, noting his impressive record of eight title defenses and his victory in a fight-of-the-year contender. Mbilli's elevation to world champion status after Hamzah Sheeraz took a different path is a testament to his dedication and success.
Meanwhile, Ilford's Hamzah Sheeraz is in a strong position to challenge for the WBO world title at super-middleweight and is widely expected to be a favorite if he secures that opportunity. Sheeraz's promoter, Frank Warren, has also openly invited Eubank Jr. to a potential clash, stating, "I would do that all day long. All day long. I'd bet my house on Hamzah doing a job." Warren also suggested that a rematch with Conor Benn would be another fight he'd be keen to make "in a heartbeat."
Despite these promising avenues, Eubank Jr. remains focused on his recovery. He has expressed his commitment to returning only when he feels he is "back to 100 percent," acknowledging that the timeline for his comeback is uncertain. However, he assured his dedicated fanbase that he is doing "everything in my power to make sure that one day the old me makes a big comeback."
Now, let's open this up for discussion: With Eubank Jr. potentially returning to super-middleweight, which opponent do you believe would offer him the best chance at a world title? Is a fight with Mbilli or Alvarez more likely, or should he target Sheeraz? And what are your thoughts on the impact of weight cuts on a fighter's performance? Share your opinions in the comments below!
