Harlem Eubank is confident his opponents underestimate him, stating `don`t know how good I am,` as he gets ready for a significant domestic clash. The 31-year-old, cousin of Chris Eubank Jr, is set to face former world title challenger Jack Catterall in Manchester this July.
This upcoming fight is a culmination of years of preparation for Eubank, following just months after Chris Eubank Jr secured a decisive victory over his rival Conor Benn in April.
Eubank reflected on his journey, saying, “Eight years as a professional, that is the type of process it takes to achieve the heights you want to get to in this sport. It`s not an overnight success. It`s a lot of years behind closed doors working away to get to the position. I believe the timing is now.”
Both fighters` reputations are on the line in this domestic encounter, but Eubank expressed respect rather than animosity towards his opponent.
He added, “I think Jack Catterall is the best in the UK right now. We believe he is the best out there and that is the type of fighter I`m ready for.”
Eubank and Catterall share two past opponents: Tyrone McKenna and Timo Schwarzkopf. Eubank stopped both within the distance, which Catterall did not. However, Eubank doesn`t see this as a primary confidence boost. He stated, “I know that Catterall is an improved fighter since then and has gone on to fight at world level. That is the version of Catterall I`m ready to beat. I`m excited to put on an emphatic display.”
Despite being undefeated, Eubank enters the fight as the underdog. Catterall, fighting in his hometown, is looking to bounce back and revitalize his world title aspirations after a loss to Arnold Barboza Jr in February.
Eubank isn`t concerned about the odds. “Being the outsider doesn`t change my psychology,” he commented. “I`ve never taken the odds into account when I`ve got in there. I think he [Catterall] is experienced enough to handle that kind of stuff. I`m going to have a lot of pressure as well. I`m coming in there as the next up-and-coming Eubank to compete at world level.”
Catterall is known for his difficult-to-hit style, often leading to tactical, `chess match` bouts. However, Eubank is confident he can find a way to win. “We have seen Catterall many times and we know what he does well,” Eubank stated. “We know he has many tools in the box, and I`m ready to get out my toolbox and show them what I can do. This is about how good I am, not him.”
Eubank believes the element of surprise could be a key advantage. “I think the only reason we have this fight is because they don`t know how good I am,” he claimed. “I am going to use that unknown to shock a lot of people. I love that position, it means that not only do the people not know, the opposition don`t know.”
While a potential future fight with Adam Azim is often discussed, Eubank remains focused solely on the upcoming Catterall challenge. “Jack Catterall is levels above Azim,” Eubank asserted. “Right now, I`m aiming for the top of the division. Everything else is outside my control but in boxing, never say never.”
Eubank watched with pride as his cousin, Chris Jr, secured a unanimous decision victory over Conor Benn at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
He also commented on the recent mending of the relationship between Chris Jr and his father, Chris Sr. “We had a nice celebration meal the week after the win over Benn,” he shared. “They are both in great spirits. Their bond is stronger than ever. They are walking down the streets of Brixton together now. Chris Jnr is taking the time to speak to the people and stepping into that role as the people`s champion.”
Murray Blackwood