Ben Shalom believes that Chris Eubank Jr. wants a rematch against Billy Joe Saunders and thinks he is ready for a world title fight.
Saunders last fought in May last year, when a broken eye socket at the hands of Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez saw him lose the WBO super middleweight belt as the Mexican continued his pursuit of becoming undisputed at 168lbs.
It had seemed as if Saunders was considering retirement but Matchroom head Eddie Hearn revealed that he may be considering a comeback after some time away from competitive action.
Saunders beat Eubank Jr. back in 2012 via a tight split decision victory, and promoter Shalom believes the latter would be keen on a second fight.
“I think Chris would love that fight [against Saunders],’ Shalom said to Metro.co.uk.
“But Billy Joe has had a lot of time off….he’s been enjoying himself and I think he’s miles off. Let’s hope he’ll be back in the ring soon, but we’ll see.”
Shalom added: “Eubank now finds himself in a position in his career whereby he needs to prove himself as a world champion.
“If the opportunity is there to fight for a world title, he should be taking it, regardless of the name. I think once Chris has proved his world title credentials, it makes a potential fight with the likes of Conor Benn, Billy Joe or Golovkin later down the line so much bigger.”
Benn remains two divisions below Eubank Jr., at welterweight, while Golovkin next fights in September in his own rematch, in Canelo vs. GGG 3.