HARLEM Eubank’s eight-year professional boxing career, spanning 21 fights, has been a testament to perseverance.
Some inherit opportunities, some claw their way up, earning every step through sheer determination. Reflecting on his career so far, Eubank tells Boxing News there’s a desire for a faster ascent but values the lessons learned along the way. “You know, I would have liked to have had more fights quicker. I’ve had to do it the hard way in my career, you know. I came into the game and I had to earn my position.”
Periods of inactivity and hard-fought battles have equipped him with the experience needed to face world-class opposition. Now ranked in the IBF’s top 15 at welterweight, Eubank stands on the cusp of something big, ready to seize the opportunities he’s earned.
Every boxer’s career is an unpredictable sequence of triumphs and setbacks, and Eubank’s is no exception. His highs come from capitalising on rare opportunities to showcase his skill, like his standout performances against Timo Schwarzkopf and Tyrone McKenna.
“When them opportunities do come, I go in there and perform,” he says, highlighting the moments where his preparation shines. Conversely, the lows stem from a prolonged absence following impressive victories, a frustration for a fighter who lives for the gym. “Coming off career best performances and not being able to fight for, you know, years after… that would have to be the lows,” Eubank admits.
Boxing is more than a sport for Eubank; it’s a chance for personal growth. Over eight years, he’s evolved not just as a fighter but as a man, learning patience and discipline through the sport’s demands. “Boxing is a sport that develops you, develops your character as a man and it goes hand in hand,” he explains.
The grind of training without guaranteed fights has instilled a steadfast faith in his craft. “The will to go to the gym every day when everything’s not going your way, that takes some doing,” he says. These qualities—dedication and perseverance—have forged a fighter who is not only technically proficient but also mentally fortified for the challenges ahead, both in and out of the ring.
Eubank’s recent victory over Tyrone McKenna was a pivotal moment, a fight where years of refinement began to coalesce. While he remains his own harshest critic, always striving for improvement, he sees progress. “As a fighter I always want more for myself,” he says, but acknowledges the encouragement from his uncle, Chris Eubank Sr., who believes he’s ready for world championship contention. “My uncle, he’s told me, you’re ready to go and become world champion,” Eubank shares.
Chris Eubank Sr., a former world champion and larger-than-life individual, is an important presence in Harlem’s career, serving as both mentor and inspiration. His uncle’s storied career, a mix of triumph and controversy, provides a blueprint for success.
“He’s been through it, he’s felt the punches, he’s not telling you anything that he hasn’t done himself,” Harlem says. This guidance is particularly vital during tough times— injuries, inactivity, or doubt—when Eubank Sr.’s emphasis on the sport’s brutality and the will required to succeed keeps Harlem grounded. “He really instils in you how hard the sport of boxing is.”
Reflecting on his uncle’s era-defining bouts, particularly the gruelling clashes with Carl Thompson, Harlem believes his uncle’s contributions are underappreciated. “He was hated until he lost, until the Carl Thompson fights,” Harlem recalls, noting how that fight showcased his uncle’s heart and grit. “He marks that as a medal of honour.” For Harlem, his uncle’s ability to endure adversity and emerge as a revered figure underscores the power of perseverance—a lesson he carries into his own career as he seeks to carve out his legacy.
Now fighting on Channel 5, Eubank is reaching a broader audience, a shift from the niche platforms of his early career. This increased visibility brings growing recognition, a reward for years of unseen toil. “It’s definitely something that has started to come more and more,” he says of the public’s appreciation. Yet, for Eubank, the focus remains on the work.
“It’s all the work that’s been done, you know, since my first fight, overcoming no opportunity and earning my spot fight by fight,” he reflects. With a nationwide stage, he’s poised to showcase the skills honed over eight years, ready to prove himself against the best.
At welterweight, Eubank feels at home, growing stronger and more comfortable in the division. “I’m very happy at welterweight, I feel strong and I think I’ll continue to grow into the weight,” he says. The division is heating up, with top names like Josh Taylor moving up to 147 pounds, creating a fertile ground for high-profile matchups.
Eubank is eyeing significant fights, both in the UK and potentially in the US. “There’s been talks of some big names in the UK and also potentially over in the US already,” he reveals. With his team finalising plans, Eubank anticipates a busy 2025, aiming for a world title shot within 12 months.
The welterweight division is buzzing with anticipated clashes, including Lewis Crocker versus Paddy Donovan and Josh Taylor’s move to 147 against Ekow Essuman. Eubank sees the Crocker-Donovan rematch as a must-watch, noting, “The first fight between Crocker and Donovan was a great fight… the second fight is only going to be better.”
On Taylor’s bout, he’s less certain about Essuman’s threat but is eager for potential matchups with Taylor, Jack Catterall, or even Conor Benn. “These are all fights that we’re interested to make,” he says, signalling his ambition to face big names.
Eubank’s next fight, expected in early summer, promises to be a significant step up. “Most definitely. Another step towards becoming world champion,” he asserts. Talks of a bout with Jack Catterall or a high-profile US opponent in his hometown of Brighton have him energised. Backed by Wasserman and Channel 5, Eubank is ready to capitalise on these opportunities, building on his recent momentum to chase his ultimate goal: a world championship.
As Chris Eubank Jr. prepares to face Conor Benn, Harlem is firmly in his cousin’s corner. He believes Eubank Jr.’s skill and experience will overwhelm Benn. “I think he just has to go in there and be Chris Eubank Jr.,” Harlem says, predicting a dominant performance.
He downplays Benn’s threat, noting, “Post scandal, he’s had two fights at 154… hasn’t caused any damage.” For Harlem, this fight is not just a family affair but a chance to see his cousin cement his legacy, further fueling his own drive to reach similar heights.
Live on DAZN, April 26 Eubank Jr vs. Benn. Over 30 years of rivalry and hatred all comes down to this! A bloodline born to settle the score, hatred in their blood. Eubank Jr vs. Benn, live on DAZN April 26.
