Chris Eubank Jr talks about ‘fighting fire’ but wants the opponent to make a catch

Chris Eubank Jr’s return to the ring seems to be getting even closer.

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

Back Chris Mannixthat could come against Edgar Berlanga. Speaking on the DAZN broadcast for last weekend’s Emanuel Navarrete and Eduardo Nunez unification bout in Arizona, he revealed ongoing negotiations.

“Edgar Berlanga has been sorting out what he is going to do in his next fight, but I have been told that 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 possible fight with Chris Eubank Jr.

“(Eubank) is moving back up in weight, and they’ve discussed a fight … What’s holding up those talks is the weight. I’m told Eubank Jr. 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 stopping – take X to talk about the fight.

Me vs @ChrisEubankJr There will be a firefight in LONDON! 🇵🇷 vs 🇬🇧 👀👀👀👀

— Edgar Berlanga Jr (@EdgarBerlangaJr) March 1, 2026

Fans may be surprised at Eubank’s desire to hold weight over a straight move to super-middleweight, especially given his documented struggles doing 160 for two Conor Benn fights. However, rehydrating just 10 pounds may have been the real test in those stadium bouts, and there would be no such clause this time.

It is possible that the Brits team also think of the bulk as more of a disadvantage for Berlanga – who has fought at 168 since 2020 – rather than an advantage for their man.

Whatever the reason, it appears that Berlanga will not budge on the 4lb.