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

Moses Itauma already one of the best heavyweights in the world: 'I feel like I am. I just have to prove it'

Moses Itauma already one of the best heavyweights in the world: 'I feel like I am. I just have to prove it'

Moses Itauma is gearing up for what could be a landmark year. He wants to establish himself as one of the very best heavyweights in the world."I feel...

Ruby White has taken inspiration from Lauren Price as the teenage amateur boxer racked up 60 straight wins

Ruby White has taken inspiration from Lauren Price as the teenage amateur boxer racked up 60 straight wins

Sixty wins in a row. What does losing even feel like? You can allow yourself a little smirk, a swagger as you stroll to the ring. This will be easy ag...

Emanuel Navarrete stops Eduardo Nunez to unify super-featherweight world titles

Emanuel Navarrete stops Eduardo Nunez to unify super-featherweight world titles

Emanuel Navarrete stopped Eduardo Nunez before the start of the 11th round to unify the WBO and IBF super-featherweight titles in Arizona on Saturday...

Lawrence Okolie predicts he will meet Daniel Dubois in a future world heavyweight championship unification

Lawrence Okolie predicts he will meet Daniel Dubois in a future world heavyweight championship unification

Lawrence Okolie has a three-point plan that would see him fight Daniel Dubois in a heavyweight world title unification.First, Okolie must beat 2016 Ol...

Tyson Fury is still the second best heavyweight in the world, but he will struggle with that status, says Johnny Nelson

Tyson Fury is still the second best heavyweight in the world, but he will struggle with that status, says Johnny Nelson

Tyson Fury remains the second best heavyweight in the world, but he still has come to terms with his loss to Oleksandr Usyk, says former world champio...

Rico Verhoeven can't beat Oleksandr Usyk but he still deserves this fight, says kickboxing legend Liam Harrison

Rico Verhoeven can't beat Oleksandr Usyk but he still deserves this fight, says kickboxing legend Liam Harrison

Oleksandr Usyk sprang a surprise of his own in a tumultuous week in the world of boxing.This week Floyd Mayweather inked a rematch with Manny Pacquiao...