Chris Eubank Jr’s long-awaited fight with Conor Benn is close to the finish line and a ‘stadium blockbuster awaits’ in April, promoter Eddie Hearn says.
The bitter rivals have been deadlocked in negotiations in recent weeks, but Hearn, who represents Benn, believes a deal could finally be reached in the coming days.
Tottenham Hotspur’s stadium has reportedly been targeted as a venue, although the venue is yet to be confirmed, and the date of April 26 is being reported.
“I think we either get it done this week or we don’t,” Hearn told Sky Sports. “His Excellency (Turki Al-Sheikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia) has made it clear that it is a fight he wants to see and be involved with, which helps him because it enables him to sits in the middle and negotiates with both sides.
“If I were to negotiate with Eubank, I don’t think the fight would start, if I’m honest. Luckily I’m not.
“We’re getting close to the finish line. It’s not over yet, but hopefully a stadium blockade awaits in April.”
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Eubank Jr says he’s been like Santa Claus with his offer for Benn while Eddie Hearn hopes a compromise can be made
Hearn added: “If everybody was sane I’d be 100 per cent (sure the fight will happen). But that’s boxing and nobody’s sane. Watch this space.”
Eubank Jr’s October 2022 fight with Benn was canceled when his opponent tested positive for the banned substance clomiphene.
Benn’s license was revoked by the British Boxing Board of Control, but the suspensions were lifted this November after the National Anti-Doping Panel said they were “not well satisfied” that the 28-year-old had committed a doping offence.
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Eubank Jr says his clash against Benn will be ‘wild’ and admits the history behind their rivalry means there’s so much on the line
Benn’s retirement has paved the way for Eubank Jr and Benn, the sons of great British rivals Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn, to rekindle their rivalry in the ring.
