In a recent exclusive interview with Sky Sports, Conor Benn revealed he is in negotiations to face Chris Eubank Jr. This potential bout is shaping up to be one of the most significant in British boxing history.
The fight between Benn and Eubank Jr was originally scheduled for 2022. However, it was canceled after Benn failed two anti-doping tests just a week before the match.
Earlier this November, the independent National Anti-Doping Panel lifted Benn’s provisional suspension, concluding that UKAD could not prove his guilt.
Currently, the British Boxing Board of Control is reviewing whether to reinstate Benn’s license.
This decision would allow Benn to compete again in the UK. Conor Benn has expressed his desire to face Chris Eubank Jr. in February, a bout that would evoke the legendary rivalry between their fathers, Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr.
In his interview with Sky Sports, Conor Benn outlined the state of negotiations and the legal challenges he faced.
“I believe negotiations have started. It’s been very turbulent in terms of me going through what I was going through, in terms of the legal case. But now that that’s cleared, negotiations are on the way,” Benn stated.
Benn also emphasized the fight’s historical significance due to their fathers’ rivalry.
“It’s one of the biggest British domestic fights in history. I don’t think two fathers and two sons have ever fought [like this]. It’s about history. It’s about legacy,” Benn said.
BOXXER promoter Ben Shalom also expressed optimism about the fight. According to Shalom, the bout has the potential to fill any stadium in the UK.
“We are moving closer to a deal. Chris wants the fight next, and I believe Conor does too. The fight is there to be made. There are positive talks and assuming Conor gets his license back, it should happen next,” Shalom stated.
Conor Benn has shown flexibility regarding the fight’s terms, agreeing to compete at 160 pounds.
It is important to note that Chris Eubank Jr. has regularly competed in the middleweight category (160 pounds).
Eubank Jr’s last fight was against Kamil Szeremeta on October 12, 2024, on the same card as Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol. For his fight against Szeremeta, Eubank Jr weighed in at 159.12 pounds, middleweight.
In contrast, Conor Benn typically competes in the welterweight category (147 pounds). His last fight was against Peter Dobson on February 24, 2024. For that bout, Benn weighed in at 150.6 pounds, welterweight.
In his previous fight against Rodolfo Orozco on September 23, 2023, Benn weighed 153.6 pounds (almost 154 pounds), super welterweight.
Benn has also indicated that he is willing to concede privileges to Eubank Jr, such as entering the ring second and billing the fight as “Eubank-Benn.”
“You can have Eubank-Benn, you can have the home corner, I’m not petty about all that,” Benn stated.
However, Conor Benn made certain personal demands for the fight: “No three knockdown rule, 18-foot ring… Give me all of that.”
Tony Sims, Benn’s trainer, confirmed that negotiations are progressing and noted that Conor Benn is better prepared now than two years ago, while the 35-year-old Chris Eubank Jr. might face disadvantages due to his age.
“We’re hoping it’s going to be the Eubank fight. If the fight does get made, he’ll go straight into that,” Sims stated.
“Eubank’s got the advantage in weight obviously, but I think Conor’s got the advantage in youth. It’s more of an even playing field than it was two years ago,” Sims added.
If the fight with Eubank Jr does not materialize, Benn has a backup plan. This includes a potential fight against Mario Barrios for the WBC world title at 147 pounds.
“Hopefully we can make the Barrios fight, if it isn’t Eubank next. Fight Barrios for the WBC world title February, March. I’m just excited to be back,” Benn said.
If finalized, this fight between Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr. promises to be a historic event, not only reviving a family rivalry but also marking a milestone in British boxing.
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