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Boxing

Chris Eubank Jr. says fans want to see him fight Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez

Liam Happe
Chris Eubank Jr. says fans want to see him fight Saul 'Canelo' AlvarezDAZN
Chris Eubank Jr., now under the guidance of new trainer Roy Jones Jr., has called on the WBA middleweight champion to either fight him or vacate the title.

Chris Eubank Jr. (29-2, 22 KOs) fully intends to try and cash in on his status as the WBA's interim middleweight champion against the current holder of the full version of the title, Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez (53-1-2, 36 KOs).

With the COVID-19 pandemic shutting live boxing down for months, neither Eubank Jr. nor Canelo have stepped into the ring in 2020.

However, Eubank Jr., who has been working with the legendary Roy Jones Jr. during the lockdown in an attempt to improve from his earlier trainer-less days as a professional, has a claim to the WBA middleweight crown currently held by the Mexican superstar.

It remains to be seen whether Canelo opts to continue fighting at middleweight after floating between there, super middleweight and even light heavyweight in his most recent fights.

But the Brit maintains it's a fight people want.

"I personally would like to fight Canelo," Eubank told the BBC. "The fight has to happen. It's one so many fight fans are calling for. I'm number one contender so he needs to fight me or give up that belt.

"I wouldn't say I'm unfulfilled. I've had a great career, made a name for myself in the sport and I'm financially stable for the rest of my life. But is there more I can achieve? Absolutely. And I will achieve those things."

Eubank Jr. also said the events of 2020, while unfortunate for many, did give him a blessing in disguise in the form of his new teacher.

"At this stage of my career I don't think it's possible to completely change a fighter but I have this renewed energy now with Roy that I didn't think was possible," he continued. "Now I'm excited about what am I going to learn.

"I've never really had this relationship with anyone in boxing. I have learned a hell of a lot from my father but he hasn't been able to be there day in, day out like a real trainer needs to be.

"This time and moment in history has been a blessing to me. No disrespect to anyone affected negatively by COVID-19. If it hadn't have happened I wouldn't be where I am now."