Harlem Eubank, cousin of Chris Eubank Jr, returns to the ring on November 21 at the Brighton Centre as he looks to rebuild after an inconclusive loss to Jack Catterall in July. The 31-year-old describes himself as “a work in progress” and says the defeat was a lesson rather than a setback.
“After the Catterall fight I got straight back in the gym,” he told Sky Sports. “Training hard, taking it day by day, continuing to be a better fighter. I’m ready to show that on November 21.” He called the night against Catterall frustrating but noted there were positives he can take forward.
His opponent is 33-year-old Canadian Josh Wagner, whose 19-1 record belies tougher tests than the numbers suggest. Eubank pointed out that Wagner’s only loss came to David Papot, an unbeaten fighter who gave Liam Paro trouble, and warned: “Wagner’s no joke. These are the kind of top-15 fighters people overlook. He’s exactly the kind of test I need if I’m serious about becoming a world champion.”
A quieter, thoughtful presence in the sport, Eubank switched to boxing after a promising football background and applies that same discipline to his fight preparation. He says he’s studied Wagner’s tape and expects to neutralise the Canadian’s variety on the night.
The bout will be Eubank’s third appearance at the Brighton Centre, following stoppage wins over Timo Schwarzkopf and Tyrone McKenna. Fighting at home means a lot: the local support and atmosphere make Brighton special, he says, and giving fans another memorable night is important to him.
Eubank still has links to Brighton & Hove Albion, having come through the club’s system, and harbours the dream of one day fighting at the Amex Stadium. For now, though, his focus is simple and immediate: “I’m not looking past this one. All my attention is on Josh Wagner. Once I’ve handled that, then it’s time to chase a world title shot.”