FOLLOWING his 10th-round stoppage victory over Tyrone McKenna last Saturday, Harlem Eubank insisted that he is now targeting an unexpected showdown with Conor Benn.
Joined by his uncle, Chris Eubank, during his post-fight interview, the pair both suggested that Benn’s assignment against Chris Eubank Jr on April 26 will not take place.
Without diving too deeply into the nuts and bolts of their speculation, the two Eubanks then proposed that, instead of jumping up to 160lbs, Benn, 23-0 (14 KOs), should face Harlem at a more natural weight of 147lbs.
Indeed, it would make far more sense for the two welterweight operators to collide in a bout where, at the very least, concerns over rehydration clauses could be removed from the equation.
Better still, a possible dustup between Benn and Harlem, 21-0 (9 KOs), is arguably more appealing, especially given that neither fighter has established himself at world level.
While Benn’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has portrayed him as some sort of animal – a ferocious predator hunting down his next prey – the 28-year-old has, in truth, done little to earn such a formidable reputation.
The reality, of course, is that, even before he tested positive for banned substance clomiphene on two occasions, the only notable victories Benn had on his resume were against faded champions Chris Algieri and Chris van Heerden.
Still, regardless of the opposition, both performances were nonetheless spiteful and explosive.
After failing his two Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency tests in 2022, though, ‘The Destroyer’ then produced two lacklustre displays against Rodolfo Orozco and Peter Dobson, with both limited opponents taking him the distance.
But while Benn’s performances have seemingly regressed, in many ways, Harlem just so happens to come off a career-best victory, utilising his polished footwork and solid power to halt his battle-hardened opponent.
And so, based on what we have seen from both fighters in recent years, one would not be insane for making Harlem a slight favourite in a contest with Benn.
That said, until we hear otherwise, it is perhaps best to assume that Benn and Eubank Jr will, in fact, be squaring off at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, next month.
