Alex MacMillan, set to make his professional debut on November 29, has returned from Dubai brimming with confidence after sharing sparring rounds with one of British boxing’s biggest names, Chris Eubank Jr.
The 22-year-old, along with stablemate Lee Cutler and head coach Josh Pritchard, traveled to Dubai earlier this month—not for a holiday, but to test himself against a seasoned pro. For MacMillan, the opportunity to spar with Eubank, who is preparing for his rematch with Conor Benn at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on November 15, was surreal but also invaluable.
“It was a very good experience; I really enjoyed it,” MacMillan told Boxing News. “If you look at my Instagram, I was at the first Eubank vs. Benn fight in April, watching from the stands. I remember thinking, ‘One day, this will be me.’ Then a few months later, I’m out in Dubai sparring him, helping him prepare for the rematch. For me, it was surreal, but after sparring him, I came away with a massive confidence boost. We’re no different, really. He’s filling out stadiums, but all I’ve got to do is put in the hard work, and I’ll get there one day.”
Despite a slight size difference—Eubank fights at middleweight while MacMillan plans to campaign at 147lbs—the Morecambe prospect felt he more than held his own. “He’s a big guy when you’re standing in front of him, but physically-wise, I didn’t feel much difference from what I’m used to,” he said. “It was more his jab and his inside work that stood out, but I’ve learned a lot and added new tools to my game.”
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Now preparing for his debut at Winter Gardens, Blackpool, MacMillan is determined to progress rapidly. With Jake McGuigan as his manager and Shane McGuigan providing guidance, he feels he’s in the perfect environment to climb the ranks.
“I want to go all the way to the top as soon as possible,” he said. “We’ll have a massive year in 2026 and hopefully pick up my first few titles. Area and English titles are very realistic by the end of next year. The McGuigans don’t put you in unless you’re ready. Their matchmaking is really good—just look at Josh Taylor. Whoever’s in front of me, I’ll knock them over. I’m here to progress as much as possible.”
MacMillan’s combination of ambition, preparation, and early exposure to world-class talent suggests he could be one of British boxing’s brightest prospects in the years ahead.
