Chris Eubank Jr's next fight: Potential opponents after victory over Conor Benn

Boxing expert Rob Tebbutt looks at potential future challengers for Chris Eubank Jr after he defeated Conor Benn at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

After settling family business with a thrilling twelve round unanimous decision win over Conor Benn on Saturday night, all eyes turn to Chris Eubank Jr’s next move.

Eubank Jr, 35, produced a performance full of grit and determination to outlast Benn at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - but, crucially, didn’t have it all his own way against his speedy, ferocious rival.

Early on, Eubank looked flat; pushing his jab without any authority as the impact of a brutal weight cut showed itself early in the contest, and his grisly pre-fight weight cut images point to a man who may well have outgrown the middleweight limit of 160lbs.

Should Eubank decide to return to the super-middleweight division, where he campaigned for six fights between 2017 and 2019, there is one name, above all, that stands out for him: Saul ‘Canelo Alvarez.

A clash with the Mexican superstar has been talked up by both Eubank and promoter Ben Shalom over the years, with the two camps reportedly close to striking a deal last year for a September bout before Alvarez opted to face Edgar Berlanga.

A bout with Alvarez would present the most financially lucrative option, as well as the opportunity for Eubank to become a legitimate world champion. Of course, Alvarez still has to get past IBF champion William Scull on May 4 in Saudi Arabia, while a bout with pound-for-pound king Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford is also pencilled in for September for ‘Canelo’.

Nevertheless, Guadalajara icon has always spoken of his desire to fight in the U.K. — and a bout with Eubank Jr. would be his only realistic opponent to do so.

Adam Booth on a potential rematch between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn

If, as expected, Eubank Jr is forced to wait for a potential bout with ‘Canelo’, then the obvious option would be a second go round with Conor Benn.

While pre-fight naysayers bemoaned the bout as nothing more than two ‘nepo babies’ looking to capitalise on their fathers’ legacies, it cannot be argued that their match-up delivered one of the most exhilarating contests of the year.

Should Eubank Jr entertain a rematch with Benn, questions remain over whether or not he is able to safely make 160lbs. If a second instalment is on the cards, I would imagine Eubank Jr will want to be in control of the weight — I wouldn’t expect him to agree to a rehydration clause again, particularly after winning. That along could be enough to make Benn consider other options.

Aside from Alvarez and Benn, few options remain for Eubank Jr.

He is a man used to commanding a certain pay packet and, at 35-years-old, will want to cash in at this stage of his career. Suggestions of a meeting with former welterweight champion Kell Brook feel a little wide of the mark, particularly with Brook’s inactivity and, like Benn, own size disadvantage.

It’s Canelo or Benn (again) for Eubank Jr…

Rob Tebbutt

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