Harlem Eubank comeback fight announced after first loss as he eyes world title shot

Eubank suffered his first career loss at the hands of Jack Catterall, via technical decision, in July

Harlem Eubank ahead of his fight with Timo Schwarzkopf in 2023 (Getty Images)

Harlem Eubank’s ring return has been made official, and it will be against Josh Wagner in his hometown of Brighton on 21 November – just six days after his cousin Chris’s rematch with Conor Benn.

Eubank suffered his first defeat against Jack Catterall in his last fight, but says he feels he proved himself at the world level and is ready to bounce back and come “straight for the title”.

“The fight with Catterall proved that I belong at world level,” Eubank told Boxing Scene. “The critics couldn’t wait to stick the boot in afterwards, but mark my words, I will be world champion, and after I handle business on 21 November against Josh Wagner, I’m coming straight for the title.”

An accidental clash of heads in his fight against Catterall caused a big cut above Eubank’s eye, forcing the fight to the scorecards after seven rounds – which gave the technical victory to Catterall and put a dent in his world title hopes after moving up to 147lbs.

Eubank says fighting back in his hometown is the perfect opportunity to put on a statement performance.

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“Trust me,” Eubank said. “ I’m only just getting started and in front of my home fans, I'll make the naysayers eat their words as it will be Eubank supremacy once again with a devastating display.

“Everyone has seen what happens when I fight in Brighton. I produce clinical performances and get the job done inside the distance, and this will be exactly the same.”

But Eubank’s opponent Wagner (19-1, 10 KOs) is no slouch and believes it is a mistake to pick him for Eubank’s comeback.

“He [Eubank] stepped up in class and was exposed,” Wagner explained. “His career is on the ropes, and he desperately needs a win to get back on track, but he’s picked the wrong opponent for that.

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“I’m relentless, I train to knock people out and on 21 November – Eubank will fall.”

Despite not being ranked with any of the major sanctioning bodies at welterweight, Eubank’s promoter, Kalle Sauerland, believes his fighter will be on track for a world title if he beats Wagner.

“Never, ever, write off a Eubank,” Sauerland said. “This man proved he belongs at the world level in that Catterall fight and victory over the wild man Wagner, puts him right in the picture for a world title shot next year.”

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