Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr are involved in perhaps the biggest fighting rivalry that’s yet to make it inside the ring.
Last October, the pair were set to reignite a family feud fought by their fathers, Nigel and Chris, in the nineties. The event was pulled due to news breaking of Benn failing a doping test.
It was later revealed to be the second time he had returned results for a banned substance, and he has spent the time since battling to clear his name whilst Eubank has lost and won against Liam Smith, a stoppage each way.
Now that Benn has returned to the ring in Florida, his promoter Eddie Hearn has been adamant that the Eubank fight will be rescheduled – even despite a complicated situation still playing out with the British Boxing Board of Control.
Eubank has also been vocal in support of the fight, but hasn’t yet given away when he thinks it might take place.
His father – who famously shunned the first arranged bout due to what he called a dangerous catchweight of 157lbs when his son fights at minimum 160 – has now told Boxing Social it will never happen and that Benn should fight his nephew, Harlem, instead.
“147lbs, this is Harlem’s last fight at 140 now he’s 147 now this is the right fight.
You’re looking for a Eubank Mr Nigel Benn, well now you have one. One that will not be boycotted, that’s why the [Chris Eubank Jr] fight never happened and will never happen.
Harlem Eubank vs Conor Benn will happen and there is no reason why is shouldn’t. Now you have a proper Eubank to go up against, pick on someone your own size.
8lbs is the difference between the weight classes, so when you have a weight difference of 16lbs it’s criminal and it should not be allowed and people should be told to stop their nonsense.”
Benn’s latest fight was at the super-welterweight limit of 154. It has been reported that the only way Eubank fights him is if it’s a middleweight bout at 160.