According to recent reports, the projected path for the victor of the anticipated double-header between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn leads to a potential showdown with the undisputed super-middleweight king, Canelo Alvarez.
With a return bout already planned for later in the year, regardless of the result, the domestic rivals are first preparing for their initial clash this Saturday at London`s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Their highly anticipated first meeting was originally scheduled for 2022 but was postponed after Benn, who holds a record of 23 wins with 14 knockouts, returned two positive tests for the banned substance clomifene during fight week.
Despite a lack of comprehensive public explanation or conclusive proof of his innocence, the 28-year-old`s professional boxing license suspension in the UK has since been lifted by the National Anti-Doping Panel.
Consequently, both Benn and Eubank, whose record stands at 34 wins, 3 losses, and 25 knockouts, are set to earn substantial sums for this contest, heavily promoted as a `bloodline clash` playing on the legendary rivalry of their fathers.
Beyond the financial gains, the winner of their two lucrative encounters this year could realistically find themselves in position for a significant fight against Canelo Alvarez (62-2-2, 39 KOs) in 2026.
Canelo`s immediate future includes a mandatory defense against IBF titleholder William Scull on May 3rd, a fight he is widely favored to win. Following that, he aims to unify the super-middleweight division before a potential blockbuster clash against Terence Crawford in September.
After these commitments, the 34-year-old Mexican superstar has hinted at potentially fighting in the United Kingdom, a move he has often teased. This could materialize as the third bout under his arrangement with influential boxing figure Turki Alalshikh.
The promoter of Chris Eubank Jr, expressing confidence that Eubank, who is naturally larger at middleweight, will secure victories in both fights against Benn, has openly stated his desire to revisit the prospect of a Canelo fight.
Talks between Eubank`s team and Canelo`s representatives had actually taken place earlier this year, before the Benn fight was confirmed.
Now, with the considerable financial leverage provided by Alalshikh, it is suggested that future negotiations for such a high-profile bout might be more straightforward.
The promoter quoted Alalshikh as publicly stating:
He wants the winner of [Eubank-Benn] to fight Canelo.
He elaborated:
That’s the fight we wanted to make [for Eubank]. The terms weren’t quite right at the time, but ultimately there aren’t many dance partners for Canelo that actually bring something to the table.
The promoter also commented on Canelo`s long-discussed interest in fighting in the UK, adding:
I know Canelo’s dreamt of fighting [in the UK]. I think it’ll happen in February next year – there are going to be two fights with Conor Benn.
