In an evolving story, there are reports that Chris Eubank Sr has pulled the plug on the October 8 catchweight clash between his son and Conor Benn.
Chris Eubank Jr was set to face Benn in front of a sold-out crowd at O2 Arena in London. Promotion for the fight seemed to be full steam ahead, but this latest bombshell says differently.
As first reported by Daniel Mathews of the Daily Mail on Twitter, Eubank Sr is quoted as saying that the fight is dangerous.
“My son’s life cannot be put in danger… I’ve already lost one. It can’t happen again.”
Chris Eubank Snr claims he has pulled his son, Chris Jnr, out of the Oct 8 fight with Conor Benn over the 157lb catchweight.
'My son’s life cannot be put in danger… I’ve already lost one. It can’t happen again.’ #boxing#EubankJrBenn
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soon— Daniel Matthews (@_DanMatthews_) September 12, 2022
His son Sebastian’s untimely and traumatic death at the young age of 29 sent shockwaves throughout the boxing community. The fighter died from a heart attack that was linked to a pre-existing, undiagnosed condition. Sebastian Eubank had become a father one month prior to his passing.
When Eubank Sr refers to danger, he believes that Chris Jr. is undertaking a potentially harmful weight cut. In the full article, courtesy of Daily Mail, he goes into more detail.
“I’ve given him my direction. If he doesn’t want to follow it, he will be dragged along. But he will do what is right for him… he is coming down 1oz below 160lbs which cannot happen on my watch.”
“This is modern day “gladiating”, this is not a play thing for the audience. We have to be strict otherwise lives are put in danger and my son’s life cannot be put in danger. I’ve already lost one. It can’t happen again.”
The conversation took place on Zoom alongside Nigel Benn and his son, Conor. The pair were insistent that the weight had been agreed by all involved. Nigel Benn, whom Eubank Sr fought twice in the nineties creating the spark for this super fight, responded.
“So you’re putting your foot down, saying to your son, at 32 years old: this fight is not happening?”
Eubank Sr confirmed that was indeed what he was doing. The report from the conversation doesn’t include any input from Chris Eubank Jr, who will surely have the final say on whether or not the fight goes ahead.