Eddie Hearn has eyes on two of the biggest venues Britain has to offer for the rescheduling of Connor Benn versus Chris Eubank Jr.
The fight was previously set to take place last October, and had captured a large audience despite its build-up being tarred with weight worries and a staunch opposition from Chris Eubank Sr.
It survived that controversy only to collapse underneath another – news of a failed drugs test on Benn’s part. The fighter later revealed it was the second such test that year.
Benn has continuously protested his innocence ever since, but has been unable to organise a fight in the UK after relinquishing his British license and being told, in no uncertain terms, the case would have to be investigated if he wanted it reinstated.
Following a frustrating few months for fans left in the dark, the 26-year-old recently announced he was cooperating with UKAD – who didn’t administer the tests but are said to be working with the agency, VADA, that did – and would face a formal hearing.
He has been provisionally suspended until that takes place, but talks with Eubank behind the scenes have restarted regardless.
With terms reportedly agreed, Hearn is targetting England for the September bout, which will be at the middleweight limit of 160lbs, but would be willing to switch to Abu Dhabi to make it happen.
The promoter told Boxing Social that they were only considering stadiums to stage it.
“[The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium] or Wembley. Definitely [a stadium.] In about a week to ten days time we’ll know for sure.”
That timeframe must be the verdict from UKAD – the anti-doping agency are set to provide a conclusion to Benn’s case that will ultimately dictate whether or not he can fight in his home country in the foreseeable future.
The fight has been met with mixed reviews from boxing fans, with many feeling no such talks should take place until more is revealed surrounding Benn’s situation. Eubank’s stoppage loss to Liam Smith in January has also taken some of its shine.