Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn in talks ‘close to the finish line’, says promoter Eddie Hearn on potential April fight | Boxing news
The long-awaited fight of Chris Eubank Jr. with Conor Benn is close to the finish line and is in for a ‘stadium blockbuster’ in April, promoter Eddie Hearn says.
The bitter rivals have been in talks in recent weeks, but Hearn, who represents Benn, believes a deal could finally be reached in the coming days.
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is reportedly being targeted as the venue, although the venue has yet to be confirmed, with the date listed as April 26.
“I think we’re either going to make it this week or we’re not,” Hearn told Sky Sports. “His Excellency [Turki Al-Sheikh, chair of General Authority for Entertainment in Saudi Arabia] has made it clear that this is a fight he wants to see and be involved in, which helps because it allows him to sit in the middle and negotiate with both sides.
“If I had negotiated with Eubank, I don’t think the fight would have worked out, if I’m honest. Luckily I didn’t.
“We are approaching the finish line. It is not over yet, but we hope that a stadium success awaits in April.”
Hearn added: “If everyone was sane, I’d be 100 per cent [confident the fight happens]. But this is boxing and nobody is sane. Watch this space.”
Eubank Jr’s fight with Benn in October 2022 was canceled when his opponent tested positive for the banned substance clomiphene.
Benn’s license was revoked by the British Boxing Control Board, but the suspensions were lifted in November after the National Anti-Doping Panel said it was “not very comfortable” that the 28-year-old had committed a doping offence.
Benn’s delay 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.
