Chris Eubank Jr in talks for ‘fire fight’ but wants opponent to make a catchweight

Chris Eubank Jr’s return to the ring seems to be edging ever closer.

Eubank’s rivalry with Conor Benn dominated 2025. He won the first fight but lost the second convincingly, leading many fans to questions whether or not retirement was on the cards. Following treatment in hospital for an undisclosed health condition, the 36-year-old is now plotting a comeback.

According to Chris Mannix, that could come against Edgar Berlanga. Speaking on the DAZN broadcast for Emanuel Navarrete and Eduardo Nunez’ unification bout this past weekend in Arizona, he revealed ongoing discussions.

“Edgar Berlanga has been sorting through what he’s going to do in his next fight, but I’ve been told there are plans in the works to bring Edgar back in the first half of this year. An interesting fight has been discussed with Team Berlanga, and that is a potential showdown with Chris Eubank Jr.

“[Eubank] is moving back up in weight, and they have discussed a fight … What is holding up those talks is the weight. Eubank Jr, I’m told, wants the fight at 164 pounds. Berlanga says I can’t go any lower than 168. Can they work it out? I don’t know, but that’s a big fight.”

Supporting the report, Berlanga – who has lost to Canelo on points and, more recently, Hamzah Sheeraz by stoppage – took to X to talk the fight up.

Fans may be surprised at Eubank’s desire for a catchweight over a straight move to super-middleweight, particularly given his documented struggles making 160 for the two Conor Benn fights. However, the rehydration of only 10lbs may have been the real test in those stadium bouts, and there would be no such clause this time around.

The Brit’s team may also be thinking about the catchweight as more of a disadvantage to Berlanga – who has fought at 168 since 2020 – rather than an advantage for their man.

Whatever the reason, it seems Berlanga will not budge on the 4lbs.