Promoter Ben Shalom has provided a reassuring update on Chris Eubank Jr’s condition, confirming the boxer is recovering well after health concerns emerged following his November defeat to Conor Benn.
The 36-year-old posted alarming footage from a hospital bed in the wake of the rematch loss, which saw him dropped twice in the closing round after being outpointed across 12 rounds in north London.
Speaking to The Sun, Shalom said: “I was with him last week, he’s in a good place.”
The update will ease fears about Eubank’s future in the sport after the worrying scenes that followed his second meeting with Benn.
Shalom emphasised that Eubank naturally competes at super-middleweight, making the demands placed on his body particularly severe.
“He’s a super-middleweight and what he did last year was very, very tough on his body, not to mention the medical things that he had to deal with,” the promoter explained.
Despite the physical challenges, Shalom remains confident in Eubank’s abilities when fully prepared.
Chris Eubank Jr alarmed fans by posting footage of himself in hospital following his defeat to Conor Benn
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INSTAGRAM“At his best and at his fittest, he is one of the best fighters in the whole division,” he added.
The promoter’s comments suggest the weight-cutting requirements for the Benn fights took a significant toll on the Brighton-born fighter’s health.
Eubank’s ring return remains some way off, with Shalom indicating a comeback is likely around six months away.
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The promoter stressed that fitness will be the priority before any fight is scheduled.
“He’s looking forward to being back, but he wants to come back fit so we’re still probably about six months away from his return,” Shalom told SunSport.
The boxing chief also highlighted Eubank’s enduring commercial appeal, noting he has promoted the fighter on five occasions with each event proving a box office success.
“We want the big fights. Every time Chris Eubank Jr fights, it’s an occasion,” Shalom said.
The weight restrictions Eubank agreed to for both Benn encounters placed extraordinary demands on his body.
For the initial April clash at Tottenham Stadium, he narrowly missed the 160lb middleweight limit by just 0.05lb, though he successfully made weight for the rematch.
Chris Eubank Jr lost to Conor Benn back in November
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GETTYBoth contests required Eubank to adhere to a 10lb rehydration clause, forcing him onto the scales alongside the 29-year-old Benn on fight mornings.
While Eubank received an enhanced purse for accepting these conditions, Shalom has previously acknowledged the arrangement was “dangerous” and confirmed such terms will not be imposed again.
Eubank Jr’s next fight, without a doubt, remains a long way off.
Who he chooses to do battle with next is something only time will tell.
