Harlem Eubank, the cousin of Chris Eubank Jr, is getting ready for his personal second within the highlight.
On Friday, on the Brighton Centre, Eubank returns to motion seeking to banish the reminiscence of his first profession defeat, an inconclusive loss to Jack Catterall again in July.
At 31, Eubank nonetheless considers himself “a work in progress”, a mindset that drives him ahead.
“After the Catterall fight I got straight back in the gym,” he informed Sky Sports activities. “Training hard, taking it day by day, continuing to be a better fighter. I’m ready to show that on November 21.”
For the Brighton native, the setback wasn’t a lifeless finish, simply one other studying curve.
“It was a frustrating night, but there were plenty of positives,” he mirrored. “It’s all experience, both inside and outside the ring. Everything I’ve learned, I’m taking with me going forward.”
Standing throughout from him this time will likely be Josh Wagner, a 33-year-old Canadian whose 19-1 report may not dazzle at first look, however whose résumé hides substance, one thing Eubank is fast to recognise.
“He’s only lost to David Papot, who was unbeaten and gave Liam Paro problems. Wagner’s no joke. These are the kind of top 15 fighters people overlook. He’s exactly the kind of test I need if I’m serious about becoming a world champion,” Eubank mentioned.
Regardless of being a Eubank, Harlem has at all times been extra thinker than talker, a scholar of his craft. Having joined the game later after a promising soccer profession, he now applies that very same self-discipline to boxing.
“I’ve seen the tape. I know what Wagner likes to do. He’s got variety, sure, but it won’t be enough,” he mentioned.
Friday’s bout will mark Eubank’s third look on the Brighton Centre, a venue that is been type to him earlier than. Each Timo Schwarzkopf and Tyrone McKenna had been stopped there in earlier outings. For Eubank, combating in his hometown is greater than a reserving, it is a bond.
“It’s always a special night in Brighton. The support, the atmosphere. Everyone loves boxing here. To give them another great night means a lot,” he mentioned.
That connection to the town runs deeper. As soon as a part of Brighton & Hove Albion’s soccer system, Eubank stays near the membership.
“I’ve got great ties with the team. Some of the players and maybe even the manager might come down to support,” he mentioned. “One day, I’d love to fight at the Amex, that would be a dream.”
However goals can wait. For now, there’s enterprise to deal with and Wagner is the complete focus: “I’m not looking past this one. All my attention is on Josh Wagner.
“As soon as I’ve dealt with that, then it is time to chase a world title shot.”
