CHRIS EUBANK JNR will defend his British middleweight title against unbeaten Welshman Tom Doran on June 25 at the O2 Arena, on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s IBF heavyweight title defence against Dominic Breazeale.
Eubank has signed a new promotional deal with Matchroom which the fighter hopes will lead to a showdown with WBA, IBF and WBC champion, Gennady Golovkin.
“We are ready to commit to a fight with Gennady Golovkin now, and have been in talks with [Golovkin’s promoter] Tom Loeffler last night,” said Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn.
It will be Eubank’s first bout since winning the title from Nick Blackwell, the ill-fated March 25 contest that left Blackwell in a coma after being stopped in 10 rounds. Eubank was back in the gym four days afterwards.
“I’m glad to be back,” he said. “I’ve always said Sky Sports is one of the best platforms to fight on. I am 100 per cent ready, and I’m looking forward to fighting Doran; he will be coming for the upset.”
On the path to the fearsome Golovkin, Eubank added: “It is one fight at a time but when you’re working towards a super fight it does effect your training and focus, and that’s a good thing. We’re not looking past Tom Doran, but we’ll get past him, move on, and then take over the division.”
Ronnie Davies, who trained Snr and Jnr, and is still a key member of the Eubank Team has long championed the British champion’s chances against “GGG”.
“Three years ago he sparred George Groves and you had to be there to believe it,” Davies said. “Whoever you put him in with he rises to the challenge. He’s more than ready for Golovkin, and he has the style to beat him. Golovkin is not hard to hit, he’s overrated and he hasn’t fought anyone yet. Christopher can beat him, and it’s an ideal fight for him.”
Chris Eubank Snr insists they will not look past Doran, 17-0.
“I have taught my son to not look past the next one,” he said. “It will be compelling drama on June 25. If he gets past this this, it’s August 29 next – we want to keep that Lonsdale Belt.
“You’ve got to get Golovkin then we may have a long-term deal,” Eubank instructed Hearn. “I don’t think Golovkin will take the fight, but you must make that fight. I don’t see how, by my mathematics, how he can win.”
Eubank Snr then sets his sights even further afield – to IBF super-middleweight champion, James DeGale.
“There is a super-middleweight division as well, When Junior has cleaned up the middleweight division, James DeGale will be the first port of call. He was rude to us a number of years ago, and we haven’t forgotten. Everyone is being cooked and boiled.”
Almost forgotten in all this is the challenger. Doran, who left North Wales at 6am to get to the London press conference, is just happy to get the chance.
“This is what I want. I’ve wanted the British title since I turned pro, and I’ll take the chance with both hands,” said Doran.
“I’m going to soak up the atmosphere and rise to the occasion on June 25.
“Junior is a great fighter but we’ll be working to a gameplan, and I have the tools to win.”
