- Harlem Eubank has tragically lost two family members in recent years
- He believes he has become a ‘better fighter’ after coming through dark periods
- He is also backing his cousin to convincingly beat Conor Benn next year
Harlem Eubank is determined to put the ‘dark periods’ in his life behind him when he returns to the ring for the first time in a year on Friday night.
Back in July 2021, his cousin Seb suffered a fatal heart attack in Dubai and passed away at just 29 years of age. Two years later, Harlem’s father Simon died aged 61 following a battle with dementia.
There is no set way to cope with the loss of loved ones, but Harlem is determined to carry Seb and Simon’s spirit with him for his fight with France’s Nurali Erdogan in Newcastle.
The 31-year-old is fighting for more than just himself, and believes that the motivation to make his late father and cousin proud only makes him a more dangerous fighter.
‘Anything from my personal life, I’ve used it to fuel my boxing and to motivate me to really perform, and used it to make me stronger,’ Harlem explained to Mail Sport.
‘I know that anything from my personal life in terms of my family, they’ll be close to me wherever I am, especially in the ring on fight night. I know they’re close to me. I think it makes me a better fighter.
Harlem Eubank (left) lost his cousin Seb (right) to a fatal heart attack in 2021
Harlem’s dad Simon (right) died last year after a battle with dementia
Harlem believes he is better and stronger after losing his cousin and father in recent years
‘The more passion, the more fuel you have, the better you are in the ring because it’s a place where everything is on display and your character shines through.’
Harlem’s last fight came just two months after his father’s passing when he stopped Germany’s Timo Schwarzkopf in the 11th round last November.
It has been a frustrating 12 months for the Brit since as he has patiently waited for a fight date, but he is now focused on making up for lost time as he bids to manoeuvre himself into a position for a world title shot.
‘Coming off the back of a statement performance last November, now is the time to come back and set up those world title aspirations for 2025,’ Harlem said. ‘That’s why we’re here and that’s what we’re going to do.
‘I think I always try to entertain and try to make a statement, and judging on my previous performances I think I’ve done that. I don’t think Friday night will be any different.’
Of course, Harlem is not the only Eubank on the British boxing scene right now. His cousin, Chris Eubank Jr, is still one of the biggest names in the sport, and looks set to finally fight Conor Benn next year.
The pair were due to meet back in October 2022, only for the grudge match to be cancelled at late notice after Benn failed two drugs tests.
Benn’s doping suspension was lifted earlier this month, and he looks likely to jump up to middleweight to challenge Eubank Jr after going face-to-face with him following his rival’s recent win in Saudi Arabia.
Benn has spent the majority of his career at welterweight, and Harlem feels the size factor makes the clash with Eubank Jr a ‘mismatch’.
Harlem believes the proposed fight between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn is a ‘mismatch’
Harlem impressed in his last outing against Nico Schwarzkopf (pictured) and wants to set up a fight with Benn himself by putting on a show on Friday night
Harlem says a clash with Benn would be a ‘genuine fight’ as they’re both natural welterweights
He has called on Benn to take a ‘genuine fight’ with him instead rather than facing Eubank Jr.
Asked for his thoughts on Eubank Jr and Benn getting in the ring, Harlem responded dismissively: ‘It’s a fantasy fight and a mismatch. Chris will demolish him.
‘The genuine fight will be at 147. I understand that people want to see that match-up in a fantasy form because it can’t be a real fight. Chris is a complete different animal. When he’s ready to fight, 147, that’s where the fight can be made.
‘The real boxing, you fight in your weight class. A celebrity match and a fantasy fight is more what that would be because Chris is a completely different league to Conor Benn.’
Watch Harlem Eubank’s return to the ring, live and free on Channel 5 at 10:30pm on Friday.
