Eubank Jr. Says Benn’s Greed Is Preventing The Fight

Chris Eubank Jr. has blamed Conor Benn for the fight not happening, as he accused his fellow Brit of being greedy.
Eubank and Benn have been linked with a fight since 2022. The clash was made at a catchweight of 157 pounds in what would have been one of Britain’s biggest domestic clashes. However, the fight was canceled after Benn failed VADA tests for Clomiphene. He was subsequently suspended by UKAD as an investigation continued. More than two years later, Benn’s suspension was lifted by the National Anti-doping Agency. UKAD has also confirmed they will not appeal the decision, which means Benn will be allowed to box. Reports indicated that Eubank agreed to a 55-45% split in his favour to make the fight.
This would reflect Eubank as the A-side in negotiations. Benn’s conduct has damaged his reputation somewhat. There has been mass criticism over Benn not disclosing the exact reason as to why he was ‘cleared.’ There are question marks over whether Clomiphene was in his system or not, something which boxing fans have demanded to know. But a 45% split is still huge, given the fight is likely to generate millions of dollars. But Eubank Jr. insists that Benn is holding out for an equal split.
Eubank Reacts
“Of course they don’t want to budge. These guys, their greed is what’s stopping the fight from happening. The bottom line is the A-side doesn’t split 50/50 with the B-side and I am the A-side. Once they comes to terms with that then the fight will be made,” Eubank Jr. said
An equal split would have more likely happened before the failed VADA tests since Benn and Eubank are big names. If the fight does not happen, Eubank does have other alternatives. He is targeting a fight against the WBA Middleweight Champion Erislandy Lara. Eubank’s only title has been the IBO Middleweight Belt. However, the IBO belt does not get a lot of recognition.
Alternatives
A WBA title at this stage would cap off a good career since he has made enough money from the sport to secure his financial future. Eubank also revealed that talks with Canelo Alvarez broke down due to differences over timing and money. But that is also an option that could be revisited later down the line. The bout would sell out in the UK. Canelo is a crossover star, while Eubank’s fanbase is in the UK.
“Absolutely. We want those belts and Lara, he has the belt. We were in deep negotiations but it came down to timing and it came down to money, both of which we were not happy with. So we decided to put a pin in it, knock off a couple of these big fights, and then when we come back to Canelo next year there will be no denying what we want, what we feel is fair…we were being downplayed in the negotiations last year,” Eubank added
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