Tensions are intensifying ahead of the highly-anticipated grudge match between Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn.
Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn will square off in a fight three years in the making on April 26th at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. If their first pre-fight press conference was an indication of what’s to come, expect fireworks between the two UK stars when they enter the ring.
Eubank and Benn were supposed to square off in 2022 before the fight was canceled after Benn tested positive for a banned substance just days before the event. Benn didn’t return to the ring until Sept. 2023, defeating Rodolfo Orozco by unanimous decision to remain undefeated.
Eubank and Benn went their separate ways after their 2022 scheduled fight fell apart. But three years later, they’re on the cusp of settling their differences in the ring, and things are heating up between the two rivals.
Chris Eubank Jr. assaults Conor Benn during press conference staredown
At a pre-fight press conference on Tuesday, Eubank and Benn traded barbs on the microphone to promote their upcoming fight. Things quickly got personal between the two rivals, almost three decades since their fathers (Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr.) battled it out and created their unique rivalry.
Eubank and Benn came face-to-face at the end of the press conference, and cooler heads didn’t prevail as they stood inches from each other on stage. After Benn appeared to whisper something to Eubank, Eubank smacked Benn in the face with what appeared to be an egg, before security personnel quickly intervened.
As of this writing, it’s uncertain what Benn might’ve said that provoked such a strong reaction by Eubank. But in either case, there’s no love between the two heated rivals as they begin their preparations.
Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn settle three years of bad blood in April
After the first booking with Benn was canceled in 2022, Eubank lost to Liam Smith just months later by TKO. He’d get the better of Smith in their rematch in Sept. 2023, winning by TKO.
A trilogy between Eubank and Smith wasn’t immediately booked as Eubank pursued the then-vacant IBO middleweight championship. He fought Kamil Szeremeta for the vacant belt, winning by seventh-round knockout.
Benn’s most recent outing came against Peter Dobson last year, winning by unanimous decision. The controversial star remains unbeaten through 23 professional fights.