- Harlem Eubank has tragically lost two family members in recent years
- He believes he has become a ‘better fighter’ after going 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 evening.
In July 2021, his cousin Seb suffered a fatal heart attack in Dubai and died aged just 29. Two years later, Harlem’s father Simon died at the age of 61 after a battle with dementia.
There is no set way to cope with the loss of loved ones, but Harlem is determined to carry the spirit of Seb and Simon with him for his battle with France’s Nurali Erdogan in Newcastle.
The 31-year-old fights for more than just himself, and believes the motivation to make his late father and cousin proud only makes him a more dangerous fighter.
“Everything from my personal life, I’ve used it to fuel my boxing and to motivate me to really perform, and I’ve used it to make me stronger,” Harlem explained to Mail Sport.
“I know everything from my personal life, in terms of my family, will be close to me wherever I am, especially in the ring on fight night. I know they are 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 father 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 comes out.”
Harlem’s last fight came just two months after his father’s death when he stopped German Timo Schwarzkopf in the 11th round last November.
It’s been a frustrating 12 months for the Briton as he has waited patiently for a fight date, but he is now focused on making up for lost time as he tries to position himself for a world title shot.
“After a statement performance last November, now is the time to come back and fulfill those 2025 world title ambitions,” 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 make a statement, and judging by my previous performances I think I have done that. I don’t think it will be any different on Friday night.’
Of course, Harlem isn’t the only Eubank on the British boxing scene at the moment. His cousin, Chris Eubank Jr, is still one of the biggest names in the sport and it looks like he will finally fight Conor Benn next year.
The pair were due to meet in October 2022, but the grudge match was belatedly canceled after Benn failed two drug tests.
Benn’s doping ban was lifted earlier this month and it appears he will move up to middleweight to take on Eubank Jr. to challenge after coming face to face with him following his rival’s recent victory in Saudi Arabia.
Benn has spent most of his career at welterweight, and Harlem believes the size factor is the clash with Eubank Jr. into 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 is looking to take on Benn himself by putting on a show on Friday evening
Harlem says a clash with Benn would be a “real fight” as they are both natural welterweights
He has called on Benn to have a “straight-up fight” with him instead, rather than facing Eubank Jr.
Asked for his thoughts on Eubank Jr and Benn stepping into the ring, Harlem responded dismissively: “It’s a fantasy fight and a mismatch. Chris will destroy him.
“The real fight will take place at 147. I understand people want to see that match in a fantasy format because it can’t be a real fight. Chris is a completely different animal. If he’s ready to fight, 147, there can be a fight there.
‘In real boxing you fight in your weight class. A celebrity match and a fantasy battle is more of what that would be, because Chris is in a completely different league than Conor Benn.”
Watch Harlem Eubank’s return to the ring live and free on Channel 5 on Friday at 10.30pm.