According to the latest media reports, negotiations for a mega-fight between former IBO super-middleweight champion Chris Eubank Jr. (33-3, 24 KOs) of the UK and Mexican superstar and four-division world champion Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez (61-2-2, 39 KOs) have hit some snags. Previously, multiple media outlets had reported that the two fighters were close to finalizing a deal to face off in September or October this year.
Chris Eubank Jr. is now demanding a 50-50 purse split, or something close to it, with Alvarez, which is unacceptable to the Mexican fighter who has been at the top of his game for many years. Over the past few years, Alvarez has typically offered purses not exceeding $10 million to his opponents, with the exception of Gennady Golovkin (42-2-1, 37 KOs).
Eubank Jr.’s promoter Ben Shalom said, “Chris Eubank Jr. is a superstar in the UK, and every time he fights, there’s significant public interest and revenue generated. In a match-up against Alvarez, more fans would likely be tuning in for Eubank Jr. He’s already made a considerable amount of money in his career, and we want a fair share of the purse when facing Alvarez.”
Alvarez is still considering WBA #1 super-middleweight contender Edgar Berlanga (22-0, 17 KOs) and former two-division world champion Jermall Charlo (33-0, 22 KOs). If Alvarez wants to prepare better for Terence Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs), the slicker fighting style of Jermall Charlo could be a good choice.