Harlem Eubank believes his cousin Chris Eubank Jr should focus on pursuing a legacy-defining bout against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez rather than rekindling his rivalry with Conor Benn.
The unbeaten welterweight says that if a second fight with Benn does happen, weight discrepancies between the two fighters must be properly addressed.
Eubank Jr outpointed Benn in a highly anticipated grudge match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in April, more than two years after their original 2022 clash was scrapped due to Benn’s failed drug tests.
Although a two-fight deal was initially agreed, Harlem is uncertain if the rematch will go ahead.
“There’s obviously a lot of money involved, so it’s possible,” he told BBC Sport. “But Chris is 35 now, and I’d prefer to see him take the Canelo fight and sail off into the sunset.
“It’s tough, because all the big opportunities come at the tail end of your career, and there’s always something to keep you in. But I’d rather he goes for the biggest fight in the sport and bows out on top.”
A potential showdown with Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez, however, would likely have to wait until 2026, with the undisputed super-middleweight champion set to defend his titles against Terence Crawford in September.
Harlem, 31, also voiced concerns over the weight terms of the first Eubank-Benn bout.
Eubank Jr, the naturally larger fighter, appeared physically drained during fight week and was subject to a rehydration clause that prevented either boxer from gaining more than 10lbs above the 11st 6lb limit.
Eubank Jr was fined £375,000 after missing the initial weigh-in by just 0.05lb, though he later made the mark during a second weigh-in on fight day.
“Weight games should never be part of boxing,” Harlem said. “People can get hurt or suffer permanent damage. Trying to weaken an opponent with rehydration clauses and similar tactics should be eliminated from the sport.”
‘Catterall Is on a Different Level’
The Eubank-Benn rivalry carried echoes of the fierce battles between their fathers in the 1990s and was reignited after Benn failed two drug tests, which led to a lengthy investigation.
Benn has always denied any intentional doping and had his suspension lifted in November 2024.
Meanwhile, Harlem Eubank is set to face former world-title challenger Jack Catterall on 5 July in Manchester.
He enters the fight fresh from a stoppage win over Tyrone McKenna in March, witnessed by both his cousin Chris and uncle Chris Eubank Sr.
Though Harlem has previously called out Benn, he now believes Catterall represents a far greater challenge.
“He [Benn] lost to Chris Jr clearly in an exciting fight,” Harlem said. “I gave him credit for going the distance, but this next fight is a different level.
“Jack has operated at world level for years. He’s leaps and bounds ahead of Conor Benn.”
