Chris Eubank Jr set for comeback against former world champion

Chris Eubank Jr is preparing to return to boxing against a former world champion, despite calls for him to retire after his latest performance. His comeback opponent is expected to be either Kell Brook or Billy Joe Saunders, with his manager placing an 80% likelihood on one of those two names being selected.

Eubank’s most recent contest was the rematch with Conor Benn, which left their rivalry level. The Sussex middleweight was knocked down twice in the final round and survived until the bell after a largely one-sided fight. The performance raised questions over the impact of the weight cut, his age and the demands of continuing his career.

The 36-year-old has nevertheless decided against ending his career immediately. A possible December date has been discussed, although the venue and the final opponent have not been confirmed. Brook emerged as a potential option after suggesting that he could return to the ring to meet Eubank.

Brook is a former IBF welterweight world champion who retired in February 2022. A meeting with Eubank would therefore mark his return after almost five years away from competition. The bout would also bring together two experienced British fighters from different stages of their careers.

Saunders offers a different route for Eubank. The southpaw defeated him in 2014 while defending British and European middleweight titles. Saunders has not boxed since May 2021, when he lost his WBO super-middleweight world titles to Canelo Alvarez in a damaging defeat. A rematch would revisit one of the defining results of Eubank’s earlier career.

Eubank’s team has not confirmed whether Brook or Saunders will be chosen, but both remain active possibilities for the comeback. The proposed fight will determine whether he can respond to the setbacks of the Benn rematch or whether the concerns surrounding his future will continue.