#Letakan iklan disini
Boxing Dec 07, 2025

Harlem Eubank faces Josh Wagner: 'This is the test I need to become a world champion'

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Harlem Eubank faces Josh Wagner: 'This is the test I need to become a world champion'

Harlem Eubank, the cousin of Chris Eubank Jr, is preparing for his own moment in the spotlight.

On Friday, at the Brighton Centre, Eubank returns to action looking to banish the memory of his first career defeat, an inconclusive loss to Jack Catterall back in July.

At 31, Eubank still considers himself "a work in progress", a mindset that drives him forward.

"After the Catterall fight I got straight back in the gym," he told SportNews. "Training hard, taking it day by day, continuing to be a better fighter. I'm ready to show that on November 21."

For the Brighton native, the setback wasn't a dead end, just another learning curve.

"It was a frustrating night, but there were plenty of positives," he reflected. "It's all experience, both inside and outside the ring. Everything I've learned, I'm taking with me going forward."

Standing across from him this time will be Josh Wagner, a 33-year-old Canadian whose 19-1 record might not dazzle at first glance, but whose résumé hides substance, something Eubank is quick to recognise.

"He's only lost to David Papot, who was unbeaten and gave Liam Paro problems. Wagner's no joke. These are the kind of top 15 fighters people overlook. He's exactly the kind of test I need if I'm serious about becoming a world champion," Eubank said.

Despite being a Eubank, Harlem has always been more thinker than talker, a student of his craft. Having joined the sport later after a promising football career, he now applies that same discipline to boxing.

"I've seen the tape. I know what Wagner likes to do. He's got variety, sure, but it won't be enough," he said.

Friday's bout will mark Eubank's third appearance at the Brighton Centre, a venue that's been kind to him before. Both Timo Schwarzkopf and Tyrone McKenna were stopped there in previous outings. For Eubank, fighting in his hometown is more than a booking, it's a bond.

"It's always a special night in Brighton. The support, the atmosphere. Everyone loves boxing here. To give them another great night means a lot," he said.

That connection to the city runs deeper. Once part of Brighton & Hove Albion's football system, Eubank remains close to the club.

"I've got great ties with the team. Some of the players and maybe even the manager might come down to support," he said. "One day, I'd love to fight at the Amex, that would be a dream."

But dreams can wait. For now, there's business to handle and Wagner is the full focus: "I'm not looking past this one. All my attention is on Josh Wagner.

"Once I've handled that, then it's time to chase a world title shot."

Tags:

boxing news id:13472730

Share this article

Related Posts

Ryan Rozicki rages after weigh-in and accuses Chris Billam-Smith of 'looking terrible' ahead of Bournemouth showdown

Ryan Rozicki rages after weigh-in and accuses Chris Billam-Smith of 'looking terrible' ahead of Bournemouth showdown

Ryan Rozicki has accused Chris Billam-Smith of "looking terrible" at their weigh-in, claiming some "magic" took place on the scales as both fighters c...

Harvey Dykes: English heavyweight taking leave from job as binman to eye shock win over ex-Olympic medallist Ivan Dychko

Harvey Dykes: English heavyweight taking leave from job as binman to eye shock win over ex-Olympic medallist Ivan Dychko

Harvey Dykes would normally be working as a rubbish collector this week, but the unbeaten heavyweight has taken time out from his job to chase a life-...

Anthony Joshua declares he is stronger than ever as road to Tyson Fury showdown begins against Kristian Prenga

Anthony Joshua declares he is stronger than ever as road to Tyson Fury showdown begins against Kristian Prenga

Back where he feels he belongs and doing what he loves, Anthony Joshua is embracing every step of his preparations for his showdown with Tyson Fury.Th...

Rico Verhoeven insists he has the armoury to hurt Oleksandr Usyk again after contentious stoppage in heavyweight showdown

Rico Verhoeven insists he has the armoury to hurt Oleksandr Usyk again after contentious stoppage in heavyweight showdown

Rico Verhoeven insists he has plenty of tools in his armoury to surprise Oleksandr Usyk a second time.Verhoeven came close to taking the unified world...

Oleksandr Usyk must defend WBC heavyweight title against Agit Kabayel next, says president Mauricio Sulaimán

Oleksandr Usyk must defend WBC heavyweight title against Agit Kabayel next, says president Mauricio Sulaimán

WBC president Mauricio Sulaimán has reiterated that Oleksandr Usyk will be stripped of his world heavyweight title if he does not face Agit Kabayel.Ka...

Ivan Dychko: Anthony Joshua's former Olympic rival ready for UK return in Bournemouth and offers AJ vs Fury prediction

Ivan Dychko: Anthony Joshua's former Olympic rival ready for UK return in Bournemouth and offers AJ vs Fury prediction

Anthony Joshua’s Olympic rival Ivan Dychko has set his sights on becoming Kazakhstan’s first heavyweight world champion ahead of his UK professional d...