CHRIS EUBANK JR avoided a potential fight with Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in September because he did not want to face the Mexican after being out of the ring for a year.
The Brighton middleweight was considered as a surprise opponent for Canelo on Mexican independence weekend last month.
However, Canelo ultimately chose to face Edgar Berlanga, his WBA mandatory challenger, on that date after extensive negotiations with Eubank and his new promoters Boxxer.
Now without a confirmed fight in the near future, Eubank explained his decision to skip the Canelo bout due to his own lack of activity.
The 34-year-old, with a record of 33-3 (24), has not competed since defeating Liam Smith in their rematch on September 2, marking only his second fight in two and a half years.
Eubank now has his sights set on a potential showdown with the Mexican legend in 2025, once he regains momentum.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Eubank said, “I think May next year. We were in talks with him and his team for his next fight but we couldn’t come to an agreement. It was very last minute and the numbers weren’t right, the business wasn’t right and I’ve been out of the ring for a year.
“This is not a fight that you take after having a year lay-off. I’m not going in there for a payday like so many other fighters have, I’m going in there to win. I want to give myself my best chance to win possible.
“That means being able to come off consistent fights, consistent camps and not going into the biggest fight in world boxing at the moment off the back of a year lay-off.
“So I think activity, consistency over the next six months and get this man in May.”