In a surprising turn of events, British boxer Chris Eubank Jr. has emerged as the frontrunner to challenge Canelo Alvarez for his super middleweight belts in a highly anticipated bout scheduled for September. Reports suggest that negotiations between Eubank Jr. and Alvarez are progressing well, potentially sidelining other contenders such as Edgar Berlanga, David Benavídez, and Jermall Charlo for the remainder of the year.

Eubank Jr., a former world middleweight champion with a record of 33 wins and 3 losses, including 24 knockouts, solidified his position as a top contender by recently knocking out Liam Smith. Smith, a former opponent of Alvarez, fell to Eubank Jr. in a rematch held at the Manchester Arena in September 2023.

Salvador Rodríguez of ESPN reported on social media that Eubank Jr.’s inclusion in the list of potential opponents for Alvarez has gained significant traction. This development marks a shift from earlier considerations involving mandatory challengers like Berlanga and Benavídez, who were initially seen as strong candidates for a showdown with the Mexican boxing sensation.

Previously, there were talks of Alvarez potentially facing his mandatory challenger William Scull to defend his International Boxing Federation (IBF) belt. However, with negotiations with Eubank Jr. progressing swiftly, those plans seem to have been put on hold.

Canelo Alvarez, known for his prowess and dominance in the ring, had been eyeing a fight date around Mexican Independence Day on September 14. While logistical details are still being finalized, there is speculation that the fight might be postponed by a few weeks to accommodate both fighters’ schedules and maximize the event’s global appeal.

The potential matchup between Alvarez and Eubank Jr. promises to be a thrilling spectacle for boxing fans worldwide, showcasing two elite fighters in the super middleweight division. As details unfold and agreements are finalized, the boxing world eagerly anticipates an official announcement that could set the stage for one of the most anticipated bouts of the year.