Chris Eubank Jr believes his stock is higher than that of Billy Joe Saunders, despite losing their brutal battle last November.

The warring pair headline Wembley Arena in separate bouts on May 9 - Saunders will meet a to-be-decided opponent, while Eubank Jr defends his WBA interim middleweight gold title against Les Sherrington.

And despite the undefeated Saunders winning a gruelling decision to end Eubank Jr's perfect record last year, the son of ring legend Chris Eubank believes his reputation remains stronger due to the championship he won from Dmitry Chudinov last time out.

"I'll fight Average Joe anytime, anywhere," said Eubank Jr at the press conference opposite Saunders.

"But he has to realise that I actually hold the WBA interim world title belt so that puts me above him, regardless of his close points decision over me.

"The judges believed that he won last time and that’s how they scored it, but look at how he did it, he chose to run and steal the rounds rather than stand and fight.

"I challenge him next time to stand toe-to-toe and fight and let’s see how he fares in the centre of the ring rather than running around it.

"I am the champion now and I will look at him after I’ve defended my title against Sherrington who I will not be overlooking."

A potential autumn rematch between Eubank Jr and Saunders continues to loom, but the latter remains the mandatory challenger to the WBO middleweight title, which Andy Lee and Peter Quillin will contest on April 11.

Saunders insists that, after progressing past his unnamed May foe and winning the WBO honours, he will dictate terms if he re-enters the ring against Eubank Jr.

"I will smash Chris Eubank Jnr to bits if we meet again," he said.

"He narrowly escaped last time, but I’ve got his number this time, I would absolutely destroy him if we met again. I’d love the chance to do it, but first I’m going to fight at the Wembley Arena, win that fight, and then I’ve got the winner out of Lee and Quillin.

"Then I’ll see what Eubank Jnr has been up to and if he’s worthy of a shot at the world title.

"I did say I’d give him a rematch, but it will be completely on my terms.

"I’ve shut him up once and embarrassed him in front of the British public, next time I’ll knock him out and leave him desperate."