Chris Eubank Jr health update emerges after boxing star was hospitalised with ‘underlying issue’
Chris Eubank Jr is anticipated to make his boxing return around the middle of this year, according to promoter Ben Shalom, following the health complications that emerged after his comprehensive defeat to Conor Benn in November.
The 36-year-old fighter was beaten decisively over 12 rounds in their north London rematch, suffering two knockdowns in the closing round.
Concerning footage subsequently appeared on social media showing Eubank in hospital, raising serious questions about his future in the sport.
However, Shalom remains confident about the boxer’s prospects, suggesting he will likely compete at super-middleweight, the 168lb division, once his medical treatment concludes.
Shalom revealed that Eubank had been battling an underlying condition that demanded proper medical intervention.
“There wasn’t enough time between April and what ended up November, but initially September, to sort out the issue, it was something that required proper medical attention and he didn’t get that,” the promoter explained.
The fighter is now receiving the treatment he needs, with Shalom adding: “But now he’s getting that sorted. He lives the life and then he can come back in a healthy and safe safe way.”
Conor Benn put on a masterclass to beat Chris Eubank Jr back in November
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REUTERSEarly indications from procedures completed thus far suggest Eubank should achieve a complete recovery, though he will not step into the ring until the matter is fully resolved.
For both encounters with Benn, Eubank operated under a restrictive 10lb rehydration clause, requiring him to weigh in again on fight morning alongside his 29-year-old opponent.
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The British fighter accepted these contractual terms in exchange for an enhanced purse, though he narrowly missed the 160lb middleweight limit by just 0.05lb ahead of their initial April contest at Tottenham.
Shalom has since expressed considerable regret about permitting such arrangements.
“When you offer fighters loads of money to do stupid things, that’s what they do,” he acknowledged, calling for regulators to prohibit such clauses.
“I think it’s really dangerous and will lead to something pretty bad.”
Chris Eubank Jr embraced his father after beating Conor Benn back in April
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GETTYEubank, who has been recuperating in Dubai, addressed his situation directly through social media following the rematch defeat.
“I’ve been dealing with a lot of health issues over the last year & yeah it all finally caught up to me last month,” he posted.
The fighter made clear he would not return to boxing until reaching full fitness, though he could not specify when that might be.
He offered a pledge to his loyal supporters: “For the fans that have supported me through thick & thin, I will do everything in my power to make sure that one day, the old me makes a big comeback.”
