Alious“I’m Ready to Make It Count” — Harlem Eubank Set for Big Brighton Centre Showdown
Harlem Eubank says the decision to miss last weekend’s blockbuster British boxing event was tough, but he believes the sacrifice will pay off when he headlines at the Brighton Centre this Friday. While his cousin Chris Eubank Jr suffered defeat to Conor Benn in one of the most talked-about fights of the year, Harlem stayed at home, choosing discipline and focus over being ringside as he prepared for his own crucial bout.
The 32-year-old Brighton native, nephew of legendary fighter Chris Eubank Sr, is gearing up to face Canadian opponent Josh Wagner, 33, in the same iconic seaside venue where his uncle fought back in 1991. Returning to such a meaningful stage, Harlem is hoping to create another memorable night for his hometown supporters.
Speaking to *The Argus* at Rockwater ahead of fight week, he explained that skipping his cousin’s fight wasn’t easy:
“It was one of the biggest events we’ve had in Britain for a long time. Of course you want to be there for family, but I had to stay locked in on my own job. I needed to stay home, rest, and make sure it was all worth it when I step in the ring. That’s part of the sacrifices fighters make.”
Eubank, who trains out of New Era Boxing Gym in Surrey, also reflected on the frustration of his previous outing in July—a clash with Jack Catterall that ended abruptly due to an accidental clash of heads. Rather than let it derail him, he’s used it as fuel for growth.
“It was a frustrating night, no doubt,” he said. “But I pulled motivation from it. It gave me more confidence. Every fight teaches you something, and I feel like I’m improving each time I step in there. I’ve developed well, and now I’m ready to make it count.”
Friday’s fight marks his third appearance at the Brighton Centre—a venue intertwined with his family legacy. For Eubank, bringing big-time boxing back to the seafront arena feels both meaningful and emotional.
“To come back and reignite that old flame is special,” he said. “This place feels like home. Everything around you is familiar, so it feels right bringing boxing back here.”
He expects to see plenty of local support, with fans from his school days and childhood planning to attend.
“You can’t think about that once you’re in the ring,” he added, “but afterwards, seeing people who knew you growing up now cheering you on later in life—that’s something really special.”
Alious
