Chris Eubank Jr. became champion for the third time. On October 12, ‘Next Gen’ defeated Kamil Szeremeta emphatically to secure the IBO’s middleweight title. After last year’s setback loss to Liam Smith, Eubank Jr. regrouped and recovered the lost ground. After paying Smith in the same coin, it was the Polish fighter’s turn.

The lead-up to Eubank Jr.’s latest clash witnessed reports emerge of a potential matchup with Canelo Alvarez. The Mexican superstar had defeated Edgar Berlanga during a title defense on September 15. There’s been a lot of noise over his Cinco de Mayo return. Terence Crawford and David Benavidez‘s names have already done several rounds. Otherwise, Alvarez could always settle for a fight against the next mandatory challenger. So amidst all these rumors and talks, Chris Eubank Jr.’s name has made a comeback once again. But fans aren’t too enthused.

Canelo Alvarez vs. Chris Eubank Jr.: In the works

Taking up the information received from ‘Next Gen’s promoter, Ben Shalom, Sky Sports updated that discussion for a fight with Canelo Alvarez has resumed. Reportedly, Shalom said, “We’ve already started small conversations around the Canelo fight… If he’s ever going to fight in the UK, that’s the fight, and that would sell out Wembley Stadium.”

To see Canelo Alvarez, scores will definitely throng the Wembley. But still, one is left wondering about the matchmaking. The first thought that comes to everyone’s mind is whether Chris Eubank Jr. really has it in him to take on a bona fide face of boxing.

Setting aside the former undisputed champion’s wins and championships, it is mind-boggling to imagine how the fight would play out stylistically. From head movement to footwork, not to forget the powerful body shots, Alvarez is a notch above every current super middleweight and middleweight. Chris Eubank Jr. might have knocked out Szeremeta. But the Mexican superstar is all together in the ball game.

A pointless battle

Even those who supported Eubank Jr. appeared at a loss to muster a voice of support. Let’s check what a few of the users had to say.

To this fan, the whole conversation about fighting Canelo Alvarez appears a waste of time. According to them, the English fighter is nowhere near the level of the unified super middleweight champion. “Chris Eubank Jr. is not good enough to take on Canelo, so why discuss the fight?” The fan said.

According to the next one, Alvarez might outdo Liam Smith in terms of the knockout timeline. “If Liam Smith can knock Eubank Jr. out in 4 rounds, Canelo does it in 2,” they said. The next user also seems highly doubtful that Chris Eubank Jr. will win by any stretch of the imagination. So they taunted, “Eubank to win by SD, but only if Canelo fought with one arm and was blindfolded and couldn’t hit Eubank for the first half of the fight. But still close fight 👍.”

However, Eubank Jr. had some voice of support. This follower argued the matchup against Canelo Alvarez was much better than the one against rival Conor Benn. According to them, Alvarez is no longer in his prime. Hence, ‘Next Gen’ has a good chance of turning the tables. Even better than what fellow Briton Rocky Fielding had. That is what they said, “I see no issue in this. Fans can’t complain when @ChrisEubankJr fights Journeymen and then moan at this. It’s a far better fight than Jr. vs. Conor Nigel [which is no better than a Misfits fight]. Canelo should win, but he’s beyond his prime. Jr. has a better chance than Fielding!”

This user wasn’t too happy about the update. Calling it ‘misleading’, they expressed doubts about the fight actually taking place. “This post is so misleading. Small conversations are typical with many fighters. Doesn’t mean anything; I doubt this fight happens.”

So plenty of apprehensions. But a bigger question remains: will Canelo Alvarez give the go-ahead for the matchup?

In terms of physicality, Eubank Jr. seems to edge out Canelo Alvarez. His knockout-to-win rate is also comparably higher. But is that enough to make a case for a potential fight, one might wonder? Otherwise, personally, it would be the biggest fight of his career—both in terms of legacy and payday.

What is your take on the Canelo Alvarez-Chris Eubank Jr. matchup?