In the world of boxing, certain nights etch themselves into the annals of the sport, resonating long after the final bell. Chris Eubank Jr.’s recent bout with Conor Benn in April was one such unforgettable clash—a twelve-round spectacle of relentless action that culminated in a unanimous decision, solidifying Eubank Jr.’s reputation as one of Britain’s premier fighters. The 36 minutes of intense combat showcased Eubank Jr.’s resilience and skill, leaving fans and critics alike in awe.
However, the highly anticipated rematch between Eubank Jr. and Benn, scheduled for November 15, 2025, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, did not go as planned. Benn emerged victorious with a lopsided unanimous decision, with scores of 119-107, 116-110, and 118-108. This loss has left Eubank Jr.’s future in the ring uncertain, especially amid retirement speculations from promoter Eddie Hearn and Benn himself.
Eubank Jr., now with a record of 35-4 and 25 KOs, has dismissed these retirement rumors. In a post-fight statement, he expressed his intention to “go away and deal with some things” but affirmed that “as long as that fire’s in me, I’m going to be in that ring.” He also teased “even bigger fights” in 2026 without naming any specific opponents.
Potential Paths for Eubank Jr.
As a middleweight with experience in the super middleweight division, Eubank Jr. faces several challenges and opportunities. Here are three potential routes he could take:
1. Super Middleweight Title Pursuit
Eubank Jr. could set his sights on elite names like Canelo Alvarez or Terence Crawford in the super middleweight division. However, experts view him as a significant underdog against the young talent at 168 lbs. A victory over Benn was seen as a prerequisite for such a move, but the recent loss has complicated this path.
2. Middleweight Stay-or-Move
Another option is for Eubank Jr. to remain at 160 lbs for high-profile UK bouts or consider stepping up or down in weight classes. Promoter Eddie Hearn has hinted at retirement regardless of the outcome, but Eubank Jr.’s non-committal stance suggests he may regroup for bigger clashes in 2026.
3. Retirement or Hiatus
The least certain but speculated path is retirement or a hiatus. Eubank Jr. has mentioned needing to address personal issues, which could potentially lead to the end of his 38-fight career without a world title. However, his defiance and determination signal a strong desire to continue fighting.
Meanwhile, Conor Benn is eyeing a return to the welterweight division, with potential bouts against IBF champ Lewis Crocker or WBC’s Mario Barrios. He is also considering a move to junior middleweight, positioning himself as a title favorite for 2026.
Eubank Jr.’s next move hinges on his recovery and discussions with his promoter. With no firm dates set amid the stacked divisions of 2026, the boxing world eagerly awaits his decision.
Team_TBE Boxing