Promoter Eddie Hearn believes the rescheduling of Conor Benn versus Chris Eubank Jr is ‘very close’ to happening.
A lot has changed since the pair were initially set to fight last October. Benn has two failed doping tests on his record that he continues to protest against, and Eubank Jr has been dealt the first stoppage loss of a career that has often dined out on a solid chin.
Despite that, some intrigue remains amongst fans for what was set to be one of the biggest British sporting events of the calendar year.
Rescheduling looked highly unlikely just weeks ago when Eubank confirmed that ‘it wasn’t the right time’ and instead activated his rematch clause with Smith.
As for Benn, he has been provisionally suspended by UKAD and awaits an official hearing on what happens to his fighting career on these shores.
Now though, with the second Smith fight postponed due to injury and Benn seemingly close to some sort of resolution or decision to pursue a license overseas, promoter Eddie Hearn is buoyant about the fight’s chances.
He told Boxing Social that they were doing all they could to make it happen next.
“I think we’re very close to making that fight. I’d be lying to you if I told you we’re not really motivated to make that fight, because we really want to.
It’s a huge fight. It was the fastest selling boxing event at the O2. It was the highest grossing gate of all time at the O2. Eubank wants the fight, Conor Benn wants the fight.”
As for a timeline and location, Hearn kept it open.
“I believe it will happen. When? That’s the key … Could be August, September, December. It doesn’t have to be in Abu Dhabi. There’s a lot going on with UKAD right now, so let those teams get on with that process.”
Smith’s promoter, Ben Shalom, was confident that the fight with Eubank would be rescheduled for August, so, given the above, at least one party is set to be left unhappy.