In a candid interview with *Boxing News*, British middleweight contender Chris Eubank Jr. has opened up about the much-anticipated fight that never materialized against Mexican boxing superstar Canelo Álvarez. The showdown, which had been widely speculated and rumored for months, ultimately did not come to fruition last month. Eubank, who had been vocal about his desire to face one of the biggest names in boxing, provided clarity on the situation, shedding light on what went wrong behind the scenes.
Eubank Jr., the son of legendary British boxer Chris Eubank Sr., has long been positioned as one of the top fighters in the middleweight division. Known for his aggressive fighting style and notable victories, including his impressive wins over James DeGale and George Groves, Eubank Jr. had been making waves in the boxing world. The prospect of facing Canelo Álvarez, one of the most accomplished and widely recognized fighters of his generation, was a dream match for many boxing fans.
Canelo, who held multiple world championships in various weight classes, had recently made waves in the boxing world with his moves into light heavyweight. After dominating the middleweight division for years, Canelo was seen by many as one of the most skilled and powerful pound-for-pound fighters in the sport. The possibility of a clash between him and Eubank Jr. generated tremendous excitement, with both fighters known for their explosive power and relentless styles.
However, despite the mounting hype, the fight failed to materialize, and fans were left wondering why the two fighters never faced off.
In his recent interview with *Boxing News*, Eubank Jr. explained the key reasons why the fight against Canelo Álvarez didn’t happen. According to Eubank, while discussions were indeed underway, there were several obstacles that ultimately led to the cancellation of the bout.
“It’s very frustrating, to be honest,” Eubank began, addressing the disappointment of many fans who had eagerly anticipated the matchup. “We were in talks with Canelo’s team for quite a while, and it looked like we were going to make it happen. But at the end of the day, there were too many logistical issues, and things didn’t align as we’d hoped.”
Eubank went on to explain that one of the main sticking points revolved around the fight’s terms, including negotiations over weight classes, purse splits, and location. With both fighters coming from different promotional backgrounds, finding common ground proved difficult. Canelo’s team, according to Eubank, had certain expectations and demands that were not met by his side.
“We weren’t able to agree on a lot of things,” Eubank stated. “When you’re dealing with two big names in the sport, there are a lot of moving parts that need to be in place. Unfortunately, the timing wasn’t right, and we weren’t able to get everything sorted out in time for the fight to happen last month.”
One of the major issues that led to the breakdown in negotiations was financial. According to sources close to the situation, the purse offered to Eubank Jr. was not deemed acceptable by his team. While Canelo is one of the highest-paid fighters in boxing, the financial split for the fight was a significant sticking point in the negotiations. Eubank Jr. made it clear that he was not willing to accept a deal that didn’t reflect his worth in the ring.
“There were certain figures being thrown around, but it didn’t make sense for me financially,” he explained. “I’m not going to step into the ring with someone of Canelo’s caliber for a deal that doesn’t reflect my value as a fighter. This is business, and you have to look at what you’re getting in return for your time and effort.”
Additionally, there were logistical issues related to the timing and location of the potential fight. The COVID-19 pandemic has continued to affect boxing events, with travel restrictions and varying regulations across countries complicating matters. The fight would have required significant planning, including securing a venue and handling international broadcasting rights, which ultimately added more complexity to the negotiations.
While the fight with Canelo did not come to fruition, Eubank Jr. remains optimistic about his future in boxing. He has made it clear that he is still actively seeking high-profile matchups and continues to be a major player in the middleweight division. Despite the setback, Eubank’s confidence has not wavered.
“I’ve always said I’m willing to fight the best. If Canelo wasn’t the right fight at this moment, I’ll look for the next big opportunity,” Eubank stated. “I’m here to make a statement in this sport, and I’m not going anywhere.”
Currently, Eubank Jr. is focusing on his next fight, which will be announced in the coming months. As one of the top contenders in the middleweight division, there are still plenty of opportunities for Eubank to secure high-profile bouts against other elite fighters. His recent performances, including a dominant win over Liam Williams earlier in the year, have shown that he is more than capable of handling top-level competition.
As for Canelo Álvarez, his plans in the wake of the failed negotiations are still unclear. The Mexican star is widely regarded as one of the sport’s biggest draws, and fans are eager to see who he will face next. There have been rumors of potential matchups with fighters like Gennadiy Golovkin in a trilogy bout, or even a return to the super middleweight division.
Canelo has shown no signs of slowing down and remains one of the most formidable forces in boxing today. However, the lack of a fight with Eubank Jr. leaves many wondering who the next opponent will be for the boxing icon.
While the proposed fight between Chris Eubank Jr. and Canelo Álvarez never came to be, it remains one of the most intriguing “what ifs” in modern boxing. Both fighters are highly skilled and represent different eras and fighting styles, making the matchup tantalizing for fans and analysts alike. Eubank Jr. may not have faced Canelo in the ring last month, but his candid insights into the reasons behind the failed negotiations shed light on the complexities of making blockbuster fights in the sport of boxing.
For now, Eubank Jr. remains focused on his career, while Canelo looks to secure his next challenge. The world of boxing continues to move forward, and both fighters are likely to remain at the forefront of the sport’s biggest events in the future.