Ben Shalom shared an update on the much-talked-about matchup between Chris Eubank Jr. and Canelo Alvarez. Rumors about a potential fight have been circulating for some time now. The latest news follows Eubank Jr.’s emphatic win over Kamil Szeremeta on the Beterbiev-Bivol card. However, when it comes to ‘Next Gen’, it’s hard to overlook Conor Benn. The duo have been at loggerheads for some time. But Benn’s drug controversy and subsequent suspension threw a spanner in the works.

He received some respite from an independent panel. However, the United Kingdom Anti-Doping (UKAD) and British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) challenged the decision and won the appeal. A final verdict on Conor Benn’s suspension is now awaited. So if he clears, will the much-sought-after fight with Eubank Jr. take place first? Or will the Canelo showdown continue? Veteran boxing insider and journalist Gareth A. Davies shared his insights on the matter.

The Telegraph correspondent and presenter conversed with Boxing Social’s Matt Lenihan. Starting with last week’s Jack Catterall–Regis Prograis, they explored various topics. With only ten minutes left, Lenihan asked Davies for his thoughts on the potential fight between Canelo Alvarez and Chris Eubank Jr.

Gareth Davies replied, “The fact is that Ben Shalom has a deal with Sky Sports, so they know something that we don’t know right.” He also mentioned being privy to earlier discussions about the Alvarez-Eubank Jr. face-off. Then, as he tried to recall the names of the incumbent middleweight champions, Davies shared that there were talks of a fight between Eubank Jr. and Janibek Alimkhanuly as well.

Despite all the potential lineups, the reporter also highlighted Conor Benn’s name frequently crops up. Eubank Jr. and ‘The Destroyer’ even had a heated exchange in Riyadh. The boxing insider replied, “Not that’s there; we’re waiting for a resolution on that imminently.” The Boxing Social host checked for a timeline on Benn’s resolution. Davies reiterated that it should follow through without fail.

Canelo Alvarez versus Chris Eubank Jr.: Let’s wait for some more time

“I was hearing it was last week. I was waiting for some news on it; it’s very imminent. We don’t know what the news is; we don’t know what the retrospective ban or future ban will be,” replied Gareth A. Davies. He further elaborated that he tried to get Conor Benn on board for an interview. But his team didn’t appear willing. Perhaps they wanted to wait for the official news before speaking publicly.

There’s a good chance, he stated, that based on the information he received, there might be additional factors, or a ‘ruse’ involving Canelo Alvarez and Chris Eubank Jr.

“I don’t know if it is a ruse; I’m saying it might be there; it might just be talks ongoing because I heard that maybe Conor Ben would be, um, would be, would have his resolution last week still waiting could be any day,” said Davies.

Perhaps it will be some time before the dust settles. Fans will eagerly wait to see whether Chris Eubank Jr. will finally step into the ring against Conor Benn to settle old scores or face the biggest name in boxing for a momentous milestone in his career.

Which fight would you prefer to see—Chris Eubank Jr. versus Canelo Alvarez or Chris Eubank Jr. versus Conor Benn?