'I tried to stay away - but boxing found me'

BBC News

a day ago

After winning gold at the British Karate Championships, a 10-year-old Harlem Eubank went with his mother to the shop, where they bumped into his famous uncle."Harlem's just won a British title," his mum, beaming with pride, told Chris Eubank Sr.She expected a hug or at least a smile... But the former world champion didn't miss a beat."I have 19 world title defences," he replied flatly, before carrying on with his day."That was it, he was gone," Harlem says now, laughing. "My mum was probably fuming but even at that age, I understood what he was trying to say. He was planting the seed that it's never enough, there's always more to do. Aim higher."It was vintage Eubank Sr - dismissive yet full of purpose.It's a lesson Harlem still carries with him today as he prepares for the biggest fight of his professional career.The 31-year-old welterweight will face fellow Briton and former world-title challenger Jack Catterall at Manchester's AO Arena on Saturday."It's a massive statement fight. That's why I pushed for it. I believe I'll be a world champion and this is the fight that proves it," Harlem adds.Speaking to BBC Sport, Harlem reflects on the weight of his family name and how he carved out his own boxing journey the hard way, earning respect through the traditional route.
How boxing found its latest Eubank
The Eubank name is steeped in British boxing folklore with unforgettable nights and iconic rivalries.A two-time world champion, the eccentric Eubank Sr was a boxing superstar who transcended the sport. And by the time Harlem turned professional in 2017, his cousin Chris Eubank Jr was already a British champion.But Harlem - a noticeably less flamboyant and more reserved character than his uncle and cousin - never intended to follow in their footsteps."I tried to stay away from boxing at first because my family had already done it," he explains. "They'd been to the top of the mountain so what's the point in me starting?"In his early years, Harlem threw himself into karate and football. He earned a black belt by the age of 11 and later for signed for Brighton & Hove Albion's youth set-up.At 14, he walked into a boxing gym for the first time out of curiosity, but football coaches told him he had to choose. And so, boxing was put aside.Four years later, though, something pulled him back."I came back to boxing at 18 and never looked back," he says. "It felt like boxing found me rather than me looking for it. It felt like it was meant to be."
Building a profile on free-to-air television
Harlem turned professional aged 23 but, much like his cousin, quickly realised that being a Eubank in boxing can be a double-edged sword."Everyone wants to beat you. They bring their best version into the ring every time because they think they're fighting for a world title," he says.In an age of influencer boxing, Harlem could have arguably chosen an easier and more lucrative route rather than trading on his name. Instead, he fought on small-hall shows and steadily honed his craft."I've done it the traditional way. There's not a door I haven't kicked down myself," he says.In a throwback to the ITV era when his uncle headlined to millions on free-to-air television, Harlem has spent the past few years as a regular headliner of Channel 5's Friday night boxing cards."Being on Channel 5 has allowed me to engage with different people, new audiences who aren't necessarily sports fans and just happen to stumble across boxing," he says.
Harlem globetrotter - targeting world honours
With his uncle and cousin watching from ringside, Harlem stopped Tyrone McKenna in the 10th round in March. But Chorley's Catterall is a different proposition.A proven contender who has operated at world level, Catterall is regarded by many as the man who should have become England's first male four-belt undisputed champion after a controversial points loss to Josh Taylor.Harlem, though, is relishing the role of underdog."Time and time again, I've had to prove people wrong," he says. "But I think people are starting to take notice of me now."Jack is the best at 147lb in the UK, hands down. Beating him will lead to the biggest and best fights, whether that's a world title next or taking on top names in the United States."