CHRIS Eubank Jr is said to be one of the remaining names on a rapidly dwindling list of potential next opponents for Canelo. The undefeated boxer Edgar Berlanga, 22-0 (17 KOs), is also still in the frame, as William Scull who was forced to continue with the IBF super-middleweight belt was handled by PBC (Canelo continue to work with him) and Jermall Charlo as well. is excluded.
As big as the opportunity is for Eubank Jr., for many, it only adds to the growing awareness and disappointment that a fight between the man from Guadalajara and generational rival David Benavidez may not happen.
Canelo’s move raises broader questions about the integrity of the sport and the actions of its participants. Is Canelo responsible for letting Benavidez get shot during his “pass the light”? Or is he simply responsible for his own work and personal decisions? Some feel the 33-year-old is gliding happily into retirement, playing golf for his final days while accepting low-risk fights with big paydays.
Canelo usually schedules his fights around May and September, which coincide with Mexican holidays. His desire to fight this September is still there. Benavidez last fought in June, defeating Oleksandr Gvozdyk on points. Another opponent, Terence Crawford, boxes against Israel Madrimov on August 3. Therefore, a dance partner is still needed.
News broke today that Chris Eubank Jr, 33-3 (24 KOs), has signed with BOXXER and Ben Shalom, further adding to the plot to follow. Chris parted ways with Wasserman Boxing recently and has not fought since beating Liam Smith in a 10th round rematch in their September 2023 rematch.
Back to Canelo, the fact that the PBC remains involved suggests they still believe Benavidez could be worth a shot sometime in 2025. Although Las Vegas is the expected location for that fight, if it ends up being done, it’s such a big clash. it can live anywhere.
The Eubank Jr/Berlanga belt will also take place in Vegas, despite the UFC booking the futuristic Sphere for September 14. Whether competing in such a gruesome event has an impact on pay-per-view, ticket sales or footfall, against an underpowered opponent. , remains to be seen.
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