Canelo Alvarez is gearing up for his annual fight around Mexican Independence Day in September, and it seems like his next opponent is in the works.
Reports from ESPN’s Salvador Rodriguez suggest that negotiations are underway for a showdown between Alvarez and Chris Eubank Jr., with Eubank Jr. being labeled as the ‘frontrunner’ to go head-to-head with the Mexican boxing icon on the highly anticipated September date.
At 33 years old, Alvarez is fresh off a decisive victory over Jaime Munguia in May. A potential matchup with Eubank Jr. would likely be a showdown for Alvarez’s undisputed super middleweight titles.
Eubank Jr., 34, is coming off a 10th-round TKO win over Liam Smith in September 2023, seeking redemption after suffering his first stoppage loss to Smith earlier that year. With a record of 33-3 and 24 KOs, Eubank Jr. is no stranger to the boxing ring, especially given his lineage as the son of former world champion Chris Eubank Sr.
Should an agreement be reached between the two fighters, it would mark a significant opportunity for Eubank Jr. in his professional career, potentially leading to his biggest payday yet. Trained by Brian McIntyre for his rematch with Smith, Eubank Jr. showcased a new level of skill and determination, raising questions about whether he will retain McIntyre’s services for the anticipated showdown with Alvarez.
While Eubank Jr. presents a formidable challenge, Alvarez’s decision to face him rather than David Benavidez has raised some eyebrows. Benavidez, an undefeated contender, has been vying for a matchup with Alvarez, but the Mexican star seems to be focusing on fights that align with his risk-reward strategy at this stage of his career.
With the potential Alvarez vs. Eubank Jr. bout on the horizon, the boxing world is abuzz with anticipation, especially considering the commercial prospects of the fight in multiple countries. As Alvarez continues to navigate his career path, drawing comparisons to his former rival Floyd Mayweather Jr., fans can expect an exciting month of September with a lineup that includes Noche UFC and the Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel DuBois title fight.