Conor Benn vs Chris Eubank Jr. – British Boxers Need Each Other

Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed the long-awaited fight between Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr could take place early next year.

Eubank Jr. is scheduled to fight Kamil Szeremeta on the Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol undercard in Saudi Arabia on October 12.

The Matchroom promoter is eyeing a subsequent big-money showdown between the British boxers next year after being denied the opportunity to stage the fight in 2022.

Looking at Conor Benn vs. Chris Eubank Jr.

Benn’s Recent Trouble With PEDs

Benn was suspended for failing two voluntary drug tests but subsequently had the ban lifted following a ruling by the National Anti-Doping Panel (NADP).

He fought twice in the United States before the UK Anti-Doping Agency (UKAD) and British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) had the ruling overturned on appeal.

Read More: Chris Eubank Jr. Pursues High-Stakes Fights: ‘The Opportunity to Discipline a Cheat’

That suspension will remain in place until a hearing with the BBBoC takes place in October. The Benn camp is adamant he will be cleared to return to action.

That would set up the enthralling prospect of a clash with Eubank Jr., which would be rated as a true 50/50 fight by leading online bookmakers.

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Hearn Confident of Box Office and PPV Draw

With the odds pointing towards Benn returning to boxing, Hearn has already set the wheels in motion for a blockbuster meeting with Eubank Jr.

“We have big plans for Conor – the Eubank Jr fight is the biggest fight in British boxing outside of Anthony Joshua v Tyson Fury,” he told iFL TV.

“Eubank Jr’s team have been on to me and they want to make the fight. I believe you’ll see it. Eubank Jr is fighting in 12 October – the fight won’t take place until February or March.

Read More: Chris Eubank Jr. Eyes Rematch and Redemption: Talks New Goals Ahead of Boxxer Debut

“By then he (Benn) will be cleared to fight. We’ll let him tie that end up with his team, but it’s imminent. We’re speaking to His Excellency (Turki Alalshikh). I think it’ll get made.

“When he comes back, it’ll be massive. Wherever we do Eubank Jr vs Benn, it sells out any arena, particularly in the UK. Wembley or Spurs [Tottenham Hotspur Stadium], maybe we do it in Riyadh.

“It’s not the only option [for Benn], but for me, it’s the biggest fight to make. No (he will not fight this year) – he’ll wait now for that fight (against Eubank Jr) in the UK or Riyadh.”

Read More: ‘I Couldn’t Accept the Ban’: Conor Benn Awaits BBBoC Hearing as Career Hangs in Balance

Hearn’s comments will undoubtedly delight boxing fans who are desperate to see Benn and Eubank Jr finally go head-to-head in the ring.

The fight undoubtedly makes sense for both fighters. Benn needs to make a statement following his ban, while Eubank Jr. has yet to establish a legacy in boxing.

His upcoming bout with Szeremeta has been heavily criticised, with former world champion Carl Froch leading the chorus of disapproval by calling it a ‘knockover’ fight.

Eubank Jr Might Not Want the Fight

The Brighton fighter has been calling out Canelo Alvarez, but he lacks the size to compete on an equal footing with one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world.

With Hearn believing Eubank Jr. is only in boxing for the money, the fight which makes the most sense is a domestic clash with Benn.

The clamour to see a fight between the sons of two British boxing legends is a promoter’s dream and one which would capture the imagination of fans.

The size difference between the two fighters should give Eubank Jr. the edge, but Benn unquestionably has the talent to cause him problems.

Given where both boxers are in their respective careers, this is a fight which needs to be made.