Chris Eubank Jr’s long-awaited grudge fight with Conor Benn is near the finish line and a ‘stadium blockbuster awaits’ in April, says promoter Eddie Hearn.
The bitter rivals have been locked in negotiations in recent weeks, but Hearn, who represents Benn, believes that an agreement could finally be reached in the coming days.
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has reportedly been targeted as a venue, although the venue is yet to be confirmed, and a date of April 26 is being reported.
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Ben Shalom admits making Eubank Jr v Benn is a real headache but he’s hopeful that a solution is close
“I think we either get it made this week or we don’t,” Hearn told Sky Sports. “His Excellency [Turki Al-Sheikh, chair of General Authority for Entertainment in Saudi Arabia] has made it clear that it’s a fight that he wants to see and be involved with, which helps, because it enables him to sit in the middle and negotiate with both sides.
“If I was negotiating with Eubank, I don’t think the fight would get made, if I’m honest. Luckily I’m not.
“We are drawing closer to the finishing line. It’s not done yet, but a stadium blockbuster awaits hopefully in April.”
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Eubank Jr says he has been like Santa Claus with his offer to Benn while Eddie Hearn hopes a compromise can be made
Hearn added: “If everybody was sensible, I’d be 100 per cent [confident the fight happens]. But this is boxing, and no one is sensible. Watch this space.”
Eubank Jr’s October 2022 fight with Benn was cancelled when his opponent tested positive for a banned substance clomifene.
Benn’s licence was removed by the British Boxing Board of Control, but the suspensions were lifted this November after the National Anti-Doping Panel stated they were “not comfortably satisfied” that the 28-year-old had committed a doping offence.
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Eubank Jr says his clash against Benn will be ‘savage’ and admits the history behind their rivalry means there’s so much on the line
Benn’s reprieve has paved the way for Eubank Jr and Benn, the sons of great British rivals Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn, to reignite their own rivalry in the ring.