Chris Eubank Jr. has finally opened up about the reasons behind the collapse of a potential blockbuster fight with Canelo Álvarez, shedding light on the negotiations and obstacles that prevented the bout from happening. In an exclusive interview with Boxing News, Eubank Jr. expressed his disappointment while providing insights into what went wrong.
“It was supposed to be the fight of the year,” Eubank Jr. said. “But there were too many hurdles we couldn’t get past. Timing, weight, and financial agreements all played a role.”
One of the major sticking points, according to Eubank Jr., was the weight category. Canelo, the undisputed super middleweight champion, reportedly wanted the fight to take place at 168 pounds, while Eubank Jr., who typically fights at middleweight, felt it would compromise his performance. “I was willing to go up, but not at the expense of my health and my ability to fight at my best,” he explained.
Negotiations over financial terms also proved challenging. Eubank Jr. hinted that Canelo’s camp demanded terms he found unreasonable. “I respect Canelo as one of the best, but I’m not going to let anyone dictate every aspect of a fight. It has to be fair,” he said.
Despite the setback, Eubank Jr. remains optimistic about a future clash. “This fight isn’t dead,” he assured fans. “It’s a matter of finding the right time and terms that work for both sides.”
The missed opportunity has left fans speculating about what could have been, but Eubank Jr.’s determination to make the fight happen in the future keeps hopes alive. For now, both fighters continue to pursue their respective paths, leaving boxing enthusiasts eager for what’s next.