If Chris Eubank Jr fights again these are the 3 names that make sense

Will Chris Eubank Jr. really quit after being dismantled by Connor Penn?

It’s a sobering thought for the 36-year-old, whose ego will be badly bruised today after suffering the fourth defeat of his career.

His father left in 1995 after Steve Collins proved that their first meeting at Millstreet was no coincidence. One month after losing to Collins for the second time, Eubank said:

“There is life outside the ring and I feel like the pressure is off me now. I’ve been boxing since I was 16 and it’s a tough life. I’m not going back.”

He did, of course, and fought five more times before finally retiring in 1998.

Ben now wants a world title shot and believes the rivalry should end here. The manner in which Eubank Jr. lost and the distance his body has traveled has convinced many that it is the right time to step down.

But what if he doesn’t? Boxing News is looking at three potential opponents if Eubank chooses to fight.

Hamza Shiraz

Speaking to BN in October 2024, Hamza Shiraz made it clear that he believed Turki Al Sheikh would take the fight.

“I think he will [happen]. If you asked me without His Excellency’s support, I would say no chance, but he is a man who makes things happen. “I feel like he liked this fight.”

One positive for Eubank is that the fight will be at super middleweight, which will spare him a punishing cut to 160. Shiraz, who looked flat in his last middleweight outing against Carlos Adams, reignited his career by demolishing Edgar Berlanga in July. He was at ringside last night and won’t be more confident until he watches Ben dismantle Eubank.

A super middleweight showdown in Riyadh may tempt Eubank, but he will need to be at his absolute best to deal with the towering, powerful and powerful Shiraz.

Ben Whitaker

This one has a certain kind of meaning. Eubank’s father once moved up to the cruiserweight world to face Carl Thompson in two tough fights. For Junior, jumping from just two divisions to light heavyweight to face Ben Whittaker is not an act of masochism.

Eubank can take a long break, enjoy fatherhood, and let his body heal. By this time next year, Whittaker should have two or three fights with new promoter Eddie Hearn. Watching from a distance, Eubank may decide to go back and calm the hotheaded Brummie.

Ego versus ego. Hearn vs. Eubank. More importantly, it had enough excitement to lure Eubank back for a proper payday.

Billy Joe Saunders

One of the most discussed matches that never materialized. Billy Joe Saunders never officially retired after his 2021 loss to Canelo Alvarez, but years of being overweight made the road back a long and uneven one.

It’s been 11 years since Saunders beat Eubank in a British, Commonwealth and European middleweight title clash – a two-round bout that always felt like it needed a sequel. One that would occur at 168 pounds or higher.

Saunders would certainly have enjoyed watching Ben hand Eubank to another defeat and perhaps now feels the time is right for a return. A rematch has been touted for years, and in 2026, it could become a reality.