Unbeatable ultra-lightweight Harlem Eubank is hoping for a breakout 2022, and that starts on top of his cousin’s fight against Liam Williams last month.
This was the first time the Brightonian appeared on the same show as Chris Eubank Jr and chances were certainly not on his side, a goal in the fifth round clearly maintained his impeccable record ( 13-0.5 KO) when defeating Viorel Simion.
“I loved it, it was great to be boxed on Chris’ pads and at such a big event,” he told Boxing Social.
When he looks back on his performance, he is happy with the way he continues to improve. Equally important is how the aggressive side of his game is evolving.
“He is an experienced opponent, who I took my time and systematically disrupted. You realize that when you get into the game, you have to bring that nasty intent into the ring with you. That may not be what I had at first, but I got it by experience.
“Now I have regained my motivation. I stopped my last guy after five rounds and the same thing happened this time. I’m letting my opponent down and they don’t have the answers to defend what’s to come.
“Simion has been involved with some of the top boys and world champions. I expect he will use his experience and know how to stay there. I thought he would be cunning and avoid punishment. But I hurt his body and I am growing all the time. ”
The main subplot of the Eubank Jr v Williams fight is that Adam Booth is training both Williams and Harlem, resulting in a lot of questions in the construction of the fight.
“It was a battle week click question. I really want to play it as much as possible,” Harlem said.
So much so that the 28-year-old decided not to let his Corner Booth ring first.
“Adam touched my hand before and sat close but informally in the corner. I like to keep everything separate. I just don’t want to make things more difficult than necessary. That was my decision and I think it’s the correct one.
“Thankfully, things have become a lot easier. It’s a unique situation and it makes things a little awkward. Williams seems like a nice guy; I am satisfied now that all is done. ”
After his all-out victory, Harlem wasn’t afraid to return to the gym.
“I went back there on Monday, a lot of people said things like that, but I really am. On the third day I also tried, but I didn’t get hurt or scratched, my hand didn’t hurt. The fight was almost like a warm-up, and I was just eager to move on. “
Now, he hopes he won’t have to wait long to receive his ring.
“They (his team) initially said April for my next outing, but it looks like that will be pushed back until May.
“I am ready to fight anywhere in the world and it will come back on a good footing here, I just want to hear an exact date. I’m not sure about the competition but it would be a bigger name and a step up the ladder. I want three more games at least this year.”
He has big ambitions over the next six to nine months, after which he expects a strap around his waist.
“Without a doubt, the goal is a title war before the end of the year,” he said. “I’m not sure what title we’re going for, but I’ll let Wasserman specify exactly what we do, but it’s not far off.”
There will be another big fight going on for boxing champion Adam Booth, and Eubank can’t wait to see Michael Conlan fight for the world title with Leigh Wood on March 12.
“I can’t wait for it. I think Michael is level higher than him and it will show on teamfights,” he predicted.
“Wood is a tough, strong, technical warrior. But when you have the experience and abilities that Mick has, he takes away their strengths. He removes what a boxer has in their arsenal. You don’t realize how good he is until you’re with him. He is one of them.”
Summarizing his ambition for 2022, Eubank thinks it must be a big ambition for his cousin and himself.
“It would be nice to be on Chris’ cards again this year, it’s a world title for him. For him to win a world title and me to get my first title on the same card, that would be the icing on the cake for 2022.”
