Eddie Hearn FIRES BACK At Chris Eubank Jr’s Criticism Of Conor Benn

Conor Benn’s 2022 was marred by controversy after it was revealed that he failed two drug tests in the lead-up to his highly anticipated domestic clash with Chris Eubank Jr. The first failed test occurred on July 25, just two weeks before the official announcement of the fight.

Despite this, Benn and Matchroom Boxing, led by promoter Eddie Hearn, proceeded with negotiations without informing Eubank or his promoter Wasserman, citing confidentiality concerns.

Six weeks later, on September 1, Benn failed a second drug test during his training camp for the October 8 showdown. This time, both Eubank and Wasserman were notified due to the voluntary testing protocols agreed upon for the fight.

Team Eubank opted to continue with the fight plans, as VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Association), the agency conducting the tests, is not a sanctioning body and does not have the authority to stop the bout.

Fight Canceled After BBBofC Intervention

Although preparations continued, the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) intervened and canceled the fight on October 4, just days before the scheduled event. The decision, which came nearly five weeks after the first failed test was reported, has since been heavily criticized for its delayed response.

Following the cancellation, Eubank Jr. expressed his unwillingness to forgive Benn, telling Sky Sports, “There’s no forgetting, absolutely not. Forgiveness? No, I don’t need to have that in my mind.” Eubank’s comments signal lingering animosity between the two fighters, despite their potential for a lucrative rematch.

Hearn Responds: “He Was Happy to Fight Him Then, He’ll Fight Him Again”

Eddie Hearn, in an interview with Seconds Out, responded to Eubank’s remarks, pointing out what he sees as hypocrisy. “He’s not willing to forgive him, but he was happy to fight him. And he’s happy to fight him for several million now,” Hearn remarked. Despite the controversy surrounding Benn’s failed tests, Hearn believes Eubank would still be willing to step into the ring again, and both fighters are ready for a high-stakes rematch.

Hearn is confident in Benn’s abilities, asserting that Benn would have won the first fight and will beat Eubank if they meet again. Drawing comparisons to Eubank’s recent defeat to Liam Smith, Hearn stated, “Conor Benn would’ve beat him the first time, and he’ll beat him this time.”

A Rematch Still a “Monster Fight”

Despite the unresolved tension, Hearn believes a rematch between Benn and Eubank is still a huge event with major financial potential. “By the time it comes around with the bad blood, it’s a monster fight,” Hearn explained, predicting that Eubank’s main motivation now is the payday such a fight would bring.

When the original bout was announced, Hearn predicted it would generate 1 million pay-per-view buys on DAZN, labeling it the biggest fight he had ever promoted.

Weight Class and No Catchweight Restrictions

One of the sticking points ahead of a potential rematch is the weight division. Originally, Benn was moving up from 147 pounds to meet Eubank at a catchweight of 157. Now, Benn has revealed he’s willing to fight Eubank with no catchweight restrictions. Eubank, for his part, has stated he would not impose any weight clauses on Benn for their eventual rematch, which could take place at 160 pounds.

What’s Next for Benn and Eubank?

While Benn’s future remains uncertain amid the fallout from his failed tests, both fighters have left the door open for a potential rematch. The question now is whether fans are willing to look past the controversy and whether the fight can still draw the kind of attention it initially promised.

With both Benn and Eubank Jr. expressing their willingness to fight, it seems likely that the clash will happen at some point in the future, setting up another blockbuster night for British boxing.