Chris Eubank Jr given green light to secure world title shot despite Conor Benn defeat

Chris Eubank Jr will be able to fight for a WBC world title at 168lbs in the near future, president Mauricio Sulaiman has confirmed.

Eubank Jr’s future in the sport was plunged into doubt as the Briton looked a shadow of himself in a brutal defeat to bitter rival Conor Benn last November.

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He explained how he was also suffering with undisclosed health issues which were plaguing his physical condition.

Worrying footage of him receiving hospital treatment emerged which many believed was a sign he’d never lace up his gloves again.

But promoter Ben Shalom has confirmed the Briton intends to return at 168lbs when cleared to do so, and is still eyeing big fights.

And when asked if he could feature in the title picture upon his return, WBC chief Sulaiman has insisted he is good enough to get his name in the mix for a shot.

“Absolutely [he can fight for a world title],” Sulaiman told Sky Sports.

“Chris Eubank is a tremendous fighter. I believe he sacrificed too much with the weight and he’s a natural fighter for that division. Great potential.

“He’s a world-class fighter without a doubt. We’re going to address the situation in the following weeks to see what is coming up for Mbilli and the division.

“Of course, Canelo, [Jaime] Munguia, Lester Martinez, Luka Plantic. There are so many fighters who can make great fights for the champion, Mbilli.”

Mbilli was recently upgraded to full WBC champion, but is expected to rematch Martinez in his first defence of the belt.

Will Eubank Jr fight again?

For now, it has yet to be confirmed officially from Eubank Jr’s team that he will pursue a comeback.

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‘Next Gen’ looked beyond his best in his most recent outing, where he was dropped twice by the naturally smaller Benn.

Eubank Jr had documented his struggles with making the 160lbs weight limit, which clearly impacted his performance.

And despite many around him believing he still has more to give, rival Benn believes it is time to call it a day.

He said: “Do I think he should call it a day? Personally, I think he should sail off into the sunset.

“It’s always hard to do that with a loss but I think he should call it a day.

“He’s got twin boys, two beautiful twin boys, that have come into this world and sometimes you need to prioritise your health and safety over everything else.

“But for some reason I’ll be expecting a phone call once he realises 168lbs is not for him. Who’s he going to fight at 168lbs?”