"I think the fact is Amir Khan does not want to lose to Kell Brook. He's not stupid. He knows there is a good chance of that happening. He calls out virtually everyone in the division, but fails to call out the number 1 ranked Welterweight in the world, Kell Brook. There isn't really much we can do. Let's hope Amir wakes up and fancies a shot at a world title, a bucket load of money, creating history, and giving the British boxing fans what they want," stated world-renowned promoter Eddie Hearn, who gave an update on several of his fighters and potential fights for them. Check it out!
SS: Triple G is the hot topic right now. Comments from Eubank Jr. this week show his intent and belief in getting in the ring with Triple G. How far away do you believe Chris is from getting that opportunity?
EH: Firstly, if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. Chris Eubank is number 1 in the WBA rankings, of which Gennady Golovkin holds the world title. Everything Jr. does is geared towards being the very best, so the natural target has to be Golovkin. Short term is Spike O'Sullivan on December 12th, and then expect all the big names in 2016.
SS: If that fight does get made in the future, from what we see of both fighters now, we Saw Martin Murray put in a durable display, but didn't threaten, so what do you see in Eubank Jr. that you believe could give GGG problems he hasn't faced as of yet?
EH: Of course right now, Golovkin looks on another level to all Middleweight contenders. He is beatable, and like every man, he has weaknesses. You have to earn your crust in this sport. When Jr. is ready, he will deserve the fight as everybody else that has faced Golovkin.
SS: There was talk of Chris stepping back in there for a rematch with Saunders. That possibility seems a bit more distant now. With the current circumstances, is there any intention of negotiating a fight with Saunders?
EH: The decision for Jr. was more based on the platform where he wanted to box and what the opportunity with a tie up with Matchroom could do for his career. Jr. was offered lots of fights, but they tied him up in a situation that he didn't want to be in. He is free to spread his wings and the path is clear. Of course he wants to rematch Saunders, but when the time comes, we will have the platform for the fight to be seen on a wider scale where both fighters can earn the most money.
SS: What do you believe is Chris' best route to world title glory with the current state of the division?
EH: You have to be versatile in this sport and keep your options open. We have a path with the WBA and that seems to be the most logical route.
SS: You have proven to be excellent in marketing these fighters, such as Froch, and the best example is Anthony Joshua, who is probably a dream to work with. I assume Eubank Jr. falls into that category too: good looking, speaks well, controversial, and can fight. What do you see in Chris from a marketable standpoint?
EH: It's great to work with fighters with huge personality, charisma, aura and of course belief. The fascination with the Eubank's brings the media out in droves, and whilst not everybody wants him to win, that really doesn't matter. What matters is that you can be sure that everybody is talking about him and everybody is tuning in. As a promoter, you can't ask for much more.
SS: Carl Froch was in contention for a fight with GGG before, but has now chosen to retire. Do you anticipate any chance of Carl coming out of retirement to take that challenge if it presents itself, or even a James DeGale fight, or have we definitely seen Carl in the ring for the last time?
EH: Carl phoned me for my opinion on the Golovkin fight. Something burns away at Carl to get back in the ring, but as time ticks on, it becomes less and less. I think as DeGale continues his march, perhaps that can become more tempting. As the cold nights set in, he looks forward to relaxing 'round the log fire.
SS: Amir Khan seems to have missed out on the Pacquiao fight, which is not surprising at all. With this list of opponents Khan wants, all are appearing to dissappear. Do you believe his team will drive the Brook fight to him? I mean, Al Haymon has got where he has by being a good business man, and as far as business goes, that fight with Brook is the best business for Amir Khan and himself. What are your thoughts?
EH: I think the fact is Amir Khan does not want to lose to Kell Brook. He's not stupid. He knows there is a good chance of that happening. He calls out virtually everyone in the division, but fails to call out the number 1 ranked Welterweight in the world, Kell Brook. There isn't really much we can do. Let's hope Amir wakes up and fancies a shot at a world title, a bucket load of money, creating history, and giving the British boxing fans what they want.
SS: Final question, what are the developments with Quigg and Frampton?
EH: We are getting close. I've said before we have many hurdles to overcome, but now we are in the home straight. The finish line is approaching, but you know, when you look like you are winning, that cheeky little final hurdle can sometimes clip the heel and it all comes crashing down. Fight fans, keep your fingers crossed and I hope to bring you something very special.
[Writer's note: Special thanks to Grosvenor Casinos, the chief sponsor of the Matchroom Boxing show, Eubank Jr. vs. Jeter, which took place this past Saturday. Check out www.grosvenorcasinos.com and Gav Spiers Boxing Academy www.gavspiersboxingacademy.co.uk]