Eubank aims to go 17-0 at York Hall on Friday (Picture: Getty)
Coming from one of British boxing’s most celebrated families left Harlem Eubank conflicted about making his way into the sport. But the unbeaten fighter is now carving out his own story.
The super-lightweight prospect is the nephew of two-weight world champion Chris Snr and cousin of title contender Chris Jnr and the late Sebastian, his fellow fighter and best friend who tragically died in 2021. His father Simon and his twin brother Peter were also boxers, very much part of the family business.
Harlem, 29, initially resisted following them, fearing the expectations and demands to live up to the Eubank name would be too much. Instead, he became British karate champion as a youngster and was also a promising footballer on Brighton and Hove Albion’s books before boxing finally won him over at 18.
‘I started out not wanting to box, not wanting to have to be measured up against everything achieved in the sport by my uncle Chris,’ Eubank told Metro.co.uk. ‘I used to think it was pointless to start something where so much success had already been achieved.
‘I always had the focus to channel things into sport and eventually I came back around to boxing. It wasn’t like I had run away from it, but I had not been drawn towards it in the early part of my life. As soon as I started, it was the hardest thing I had ever tried.
‘Starting it at 18 years of age, you’re not getting punched in the face by little kids starting out, you’re getting punched in the face by grown men. Since that first day in the gym, it drew me in and I have never looked back trying to live up to that family dynasty.’
While Eubank Snr grew into one of the sport’s most recognisable faces and compelling characters, Harlem’s father Simon experienced the other side of boxing.
Eubank eying championships in the super-lightweight division (Picture: Getty)
Fighting on the professional circuit for eight years, the majority of Simon’s 27 fights were fought on small hall shows, retiring in 1992 with a record of 20 defeats and seven wins.
By that time, Eubank Snr was already middleweight world champion with the careers of the two brothers illustrating the very different paths that await for any young fighter.
‘I have seen the hardships of boxing as well, the dirty side of the game,’ Eubank continued. ‘It is definitely something that makes you think more and makes you apply yourself. There is a lot of reward and glamour in the game but the other side of that coin is different where a lot of work and effort goes unrewarded. It is a dangerous game.
‘You have got to be prepared for both of those outcomes. It can change your view and help prepare you to excel in the sport and I have used it to push me to realise the heights I believe I can reach.’
Harlem’s cousin Chris is expected to fight again this summer (Picture: Getty)
While the eyes of the boxing world will predominantly be on Anthony Joshua and Jermaine Franklin at the O2 Arena on Saturday, Eubank will be seeking to go 17-0 over at York Hall on Friday night when he takes on Christian Uruzquieta.
Fighting away from the huge shows on the boxing calendar has become the norm for the Brighton fighter, whose journey has taken him to smaller venues across the UK and on tricky away assignments to places like Latvia.
The experiences have left him battle-hardened, confident that when the opportunities to thrive on the biggest stage come, he will be ready.
‘I have come through the hard way without a path laid out, having to challenge myself early on against good opposition and tying to kick down doors,’ he said.
‘These things have prepared me. Prepared me for the biggest nights in this sport. At the time it was different, you consider whether the sport is for you but I feel like persevering through those times has given me inner strength to come through those challenges.
Chris Eubank one of Britain’s best ever fighters (Picture: Getty)
‘At the time I would have chosen an easy route, but this was the route I was meant to take. If you ask me now which I would prefer, the experience I have had has equipped me for the future.’
Chris Eubank Jr has been a voice in his cousin’s corner since he joined him in the professional ranks in 2017. The middleweight is currently plotting his return after a vicious defeat to Liam Smith, a fight Eubank Jr ‘wasn’t right for’ heading into their contest in January, according to Harlem.
Having turned professional at 23, Harlem is a relatively late bloomer and admits he is on a ‘crash course’ in his bid to add another world title to the family legacy where the guidance of people like his cousin and uncle has been invaluable.
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‘Chris Jnr has been there and done it. He is someone I have been to and asked for advice to help guide me when things look uncertain or I need that mentoring in a sense,’ he said.
‘He is someone I know has the experience as well as Chris Snr, he is always there giving me advice on how I can advance myself.
‘When I started boxing it was to become world champion and I have stuck with it because I believe I can. I’m on a crash course to achieve that dream. The fights I have this year will take me closer to that.’
Harlem Eubank’s fight is live and free-to-air on Channel 5 on Friday from 10pm.
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Harlem, nephew of the legendary Chris Eubank, is taking a ‘crash course’ in the sport to become champion.
