Conor Benn vs Chris Eubank Jr set for January 2024 in Cardiff
Announcement due to be made next week, according to Hearn
Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn provided an update on Conor Benn vs Chris Eubank Jr to IFL TV this week.
The 44-year-old boxing promoter stated, "In terms of Benn-Eubank, that fight is going to happen in January in the UK."
He proceeded to explain further, "We're in final negotiations with both sides, to finalise a deal. If we don't get it done, we're morons. So I expect everybody to be sensible and get that deal over the line as quick as next week.
"We will make the fight, Conor Benn is not suspended, and we will apply to the British Boxing Board of Control for sanctioning and it's up to them whether they sanction it or not. He's not suspended, legally, we don't see how he can't be sanctioned to fight. We'll let them make their decision."
In terms of locations, Hearn was quick to confirm, "Cardiff", then added "or Spurs".
The Principality Stadium in Wales was previously discussed by Hearn as the desired venue to host the fight, but now Tottenham Hotspurs' ground has also been added into the mix, which would be the more local option for the Essex and East Sussex opponents.
Billed as 'Born Rivals', Eubank and Benn were initially due to meet in the ring on October 8, 2022, but an adverse finding to the Essex boxer's drug tests meant the bout was cancelled by the BBBofC at the very last minute.
Benn returned the adverse finding for clomifene in August from the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association, but since passed a UK Anti-Doping Agency test and was eventually not charged with any rule violation.
However, the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) refused to sanction the bout, and after various discussions, the fight was cancelled.
What ensued was a diabolical series of events that hasn't been able to clairfy clearly whether Conor Benn was guilty or innocent of drug taking. Fight fans have condemned Benn in their majority, with very few affording the 27-year-old the benefit of the doubt.
Brighton boxer Chris Eubank Jr. has had two fights with Liam Smith within this timeframe and Benn managed to get back out against Rodolfo Orozco just last September, a couple of weeks after Eubank get revenge in his rematch with 'Beefy', meaning both boxers have had the same time to prepare for their next fight.
Fans' Reactions
"Good, hope Eubank chins him and we will be there no matter what"
"It's all good until Conor Benn does a Baby Miller and fails another drug test"
"Surely those two aren't selling out the Millenium or White Hart Lane. it was at MEN the first time and if anything more people ain't arsed about Benn now everyone knows he's a cheat"
"It's completely lost its appeal and any edge it had (not that it had much). Matchroom flogging a dead horse to be honest"
"An outdoor fight in January in the UK?"
Article sponsored by HÖRFA