Harlem Eubank beats Tyrone McKenna, then calls out Conor Benn
Plus, Lauren Price wins, Saudi plans and Joet’s joy
Moments after Harlem Eubank had impressively dispatched of Irish southpaw Tyrone McKenna, the Brighton man took to the Channel 5 mic, flanked by Chris Eubank Sr to make his next fight wishes known.
Bizarrely, Harlem wants to mingle with Conor Benn. It’s a fight he’d probably win given his tender improvements and Benn’s lack of meaningful opposition. However, Benn already has some business to attend to, on April 26 in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium against Harlem’s cousin Chris Eubank Jr.
That fight has already been canned (back in October 2022) and Chris Eubank Sr, aka “English”, a rugged former world champion, turned eccentric, is the one plugging rumours on national television that the second swing will suffer the same fate. Step forward his nephew, Harlem, proudly straddling the fringe IBF belt he won by stopping Belfast’s McKenna in round 10 of their main event clash.
Donning the yellow trunks of Brand Eubank, Harlem was under pressure to deliver. Eubank was patient, dropping a game but outgunned McKenna three times before the finisher.
Harlem puts his shots together nicely but neglects the lead left jab, something he’ll need if and when fights with the likes of Dalton Smith or Adam Azim come his way.
Lauren Price beats Natasha Jonas in London
Bathed in glowing lights, the Royal Albert Hall was quite the sight to behold on Friday evening. Lauren Price did her best to light up the venue even further, out punching and out fighting a version of Natasha Jonas who showed her age.
Price added Jonas’ IBF and WBC titles to her own WBA welterweight crown to become a unified queen, one belt short of undisputed. Boxxer and Ben Shalom promoted the all-female card that included further world title action.
Caroline Dubois defended her WBC lightweight title with a majority decision win over Bo Mi Re Shin. The Korean’s judging compatriot saw a 95-95 even card leaving the result with an odd feel, similar to Dubois’ last outing when she beat up Jessica Camara until a head clash left matters at a technical decision, allowing Dubois to retain her belt.
Dana White and Turki start the ‘Saudi League’
Dana White’s decade-long dream of sliding into boxing finally came true after the UFC kingpin hooked up with Turki Alalshikh to spearhead the latest round of the Riyadh Revolution. The new boxing league claims to help through talent and give boxers a pathway to the top.
Eventually Turki will indeed bypass the promoters and managers he’s brought along for the ride and sack them off along with the sanctioning bodies.
Joet Gonzalez beats Arnold Khegai in the battle of fringe contenders
Fair play to the Florida-based Pro Box TV who are churning out some great cards. The usual Wednesday evening was shelved this week as they stole the Saturday night slot. Perennial world title challenger Joet Gonzalez might get a fourth opportunity to fall short at the top level after he outworked Arnold Khegai over 10 rounds.
On the undercard, veteran Nicholas Walters ceremoniously turned his back at the close of round three and quit in his fight. That surely must be the end of the temperamental Jamaican about to turn 40.
On the other end of the boxing scale, Kilkenny’s Brandon McCarthy and Brian Viloria’s nephew, Justin, grabbed vital building block wins.
Image Credits: Wasserman Boxing, BBC, Pro Box TV promotional.
About Steve…
Current existence: Online editor at Boxing News Magazine.
Previous lives: Author (8 books), podcaster (500+ eps), scriptwriter for Motivedia channel, newspaper journalist, copywriter & educator.
Contact: stevenwellings1982@gmail.com