Chris Eubank Jr. has declared himself a “completely free agent,” sparking intense interest across the boxing industry as he plots a return to the ring for later in 2026. The 36-year-old middleweight, who holds a professional record of 35-4 with 25 KOs, announced via his verified X account that he is no longer tied down to any promoter, broadcaster, or specific outfit following his departure from Ben Shalom’s Boxxer.
The Brighton-born fighter has been out of action since his November 2025 rematch loss to Conor Benn, a fight where he was dropped twice and eventually lost by unanimous decision. Eubank Jr. has since revealed he was battling an “underlying health condition” during the lead-up to that contest, claiming the performance “wasn’t me” and that he has been on a strict recovery program to return to full health.
Conflicting reports surround Chris Eubank Jr. promotional status
While Chris Eubank Jr. is adamant about his freedom, his actual legal standing remains a point of contention within the sport. Ben Shalom, the founder of Boxxer, claims that the fighter is still legally bound to a “long-term partnership deal” that was signed in July 2024. This potential contractual roadblock could complicate negotiations if Eubank Jr. attempts to finalize a deal with a rival organization.
Despite the dispute, Eubank Jr. describes his current situation as a “beautiful position,” noting that “no contracts are drawn up” and no specific plans are set in stone. He is reportedly weighing up several offers and intends to let fan demand dictate his next move. His team is exploring global venues, with potential fight locations including England, Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, America, and Nigeria.
Some observers have raised brain health concerns regarding aging fighters who continue to compete after heavy defeats, but Eubank Jr. remains undeterred. He will turn 37 in September and acknowledges that he only has “a few more years” left at the elite level.
High-profile names linked to 160lb return
Several intriguing matchups are reportedly being discussed for Eubank Jr.’s return. Reports suggest his team is negotiating a middleweight bout with Terence Crawford, the current WBO, WBC, and WBA super welterweight champion. While Crawford is the smaller man naturally, a clash at 160 lbs would represent a significant pay-per-view attraction.
Another rumored option is a clash with Australian Michael Zerafa, who is currently ranked sixth by the WBO. This bout is reportedly being discussed for a September date in Australia and would be broadcast on local pay-per-view. Such a path would align with Eubank Jr.’s stated ambition to win another world title strap before he retires.
“I’m a fighter. I’ve always been in love with the sport so I will campaign for as long as I can, until the wheels fall off,” Eubank Jr. said during a recent interview. He remains confident that under the right conditions, he can return to the form that saw him outpoint Conor Benn earlier in 2025 or defeat Liam Smith.
Market interest and potential roadblocks
The landscape of British boxing is notoriously political, and despite his name value, some doors remain closed. Matchroom Boxing chairman Eddie Hearn recently dismissed rumors of a return to his platform, stating there are no serious negotiations currently taking place due to past issues.
This leaves Eubank Jr. potentially looking toward the international market or newer promotional entrants. His victory against Liam Smith last year was notably prepared by Terence Crawford’s coach, Brian McIntyre, fueling speculation that a partnership with that coaching setup could continue regardless of who promotes the event.
The middleweight division is currently in a state of flux, and Eubank Jr. remains a significant piece of the puzzle. Whether he targets a domestic rival like Shakur Stevenson moving up in weight or pursues a world title against a ranked contender, his next move will likely be his final attempt to reach the summit of the sport. For now, he remains focused on his recovery program, waiting for the right offer to materialize before the end of the year.
