Chris Eubank Jr is a man in demand after avenging his first stoppage defeat to Liam Smith earlier this year.
After Eubank beat Smith with a dominant performance in their rematch in September, it looked like he would step in the ring against family rival Conor Benn next.
The pair had been scheduled to fight over a year ago, but Benn tested positive on two separate VADA drug tests causing the fight to be pulled just days out.
Benn’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, was confident the two would finally meet in the ring next year, with February 3 being the targeted date. However, as that date draws nearer and with rumblings of money demands, Hearn has admitted they can’t wait much longer to make a deal. Speaking to Boxing Social, the promoter said:
“The Eubank work happens behind the scenes but at the same time we’re not waiting. So Conor has said, not forget Eubank but I need another plan because I’m ready to go. One of the people that Conor Benn has asked us to look into is Boot Ennis for the world title. That’s a tough fight, I rate him as the best 147lber right out there, but Conor Benn wants to fight the best.
We’re still focused on Eubank, that’s still the number one ambition but we are now starting to look at other options for him because we want to make sure he fights at the end of January or February.”
If that fight can’t be made, one man willing to step in against Eubank is new European middleweight champion, Tyler Denny. The 32-year-old upset the odds earlier this month when he defeated Matteo Signani to take home the title.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the fight, Denny made it clear who he wants next.
“Where’s Eubank at?
Look at my CV, I’ll fight anyone. I’ve fought everywhere and this is the best place, in the Black Country.
I would never have dreamed of support like this. I’m lost for words.”
His promoter, Ben Shalom, also seemed keen on the matchup.
“Eubank-Denny, it sounds good. It sounds good.”