Eubank Jr. Vs. Benn Being Finalised For February 3rd
A fight between Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn is allegedly close to being agreed for February 3rd, 2024, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London.
A bout has long been talked about ever since the pair had agreed on a deal to fight at a catchweight of 157 pounds. However, the fight was pulled after Benn tested positive for Clomiphene on two occasions following a VADA test. Despite the British boxer maintaining that he was innocent, UKAD suspended him in April, subject to an investigation.
Thereafter, the National Anti-Doping Agency removed his suspension, which allowed the boxer to fight outside of the UK. As such, Benn made his comeback with a unanimous-decision win over Rodolfo Orozco in a fight at 154 pounds. However, the decision to fight was heavily criticized since Benn’s defense appeared to be based on jurisdiction.
Therefore, it was a question of whether UKAD could enforce the findings from VADA rather than whether he had Clomiphene in his system. So, moving forward, Benn would be required to go through a hearing with the British Boxing Board of Control and be cleared before he can box again. That is vital to the chances of getting a Eubank-Benn fight since their fanbase is located in the UK. The fight does not generate that type of interest outside of the UK. But based on Eddie Hearn’s following comments, a date appears very close.
Hearn On Eubank-Benn
“From our side, we’re in a good place. There’s two jobs to be done. One is getting Conor Benn ready to sign and we’re in a very good place, and one is getting [promoter] Kalle [Sauerland] getting Chris Eubank to sign. I think Kalle is in the process of getting through everything. We could sign on Monday but obviously need to be in a position with Kalle to move forward. Hopefully it’s imminent. UK, hopefully January 27 or February 3. I think Spurs on February 3 is the one,” Hearn stated
Smith On Eubank-Benn
Nevertheless, there is a question of whether the fight will still appeal to the fans. The controversy around it has damaged the profile of Benn, who is likely to be the B-side in the fight. And with the boxer looking most likely to go up to 160 to take the fight, he will be at a disadvantage.
After all, Benn could not stop Orozco at 154 pounds. Naturally, then, doing the same against Eubank at 160, who is known for having a very good chin, will be difficult. That is why Liam Smith felt Eubank would be too big for Benn.
“I don’t really know, but I say this with the greatest respect. You can’t judge Chris on his fight with myself. A lot of people said that it was a career-best performance from Chris. I’m telling you now, don’t judge Chris off that. Conor, seeing what I’ve done with Chris will give Conor a lot more confidence. So, it’s a lot more interesting than I thought it was before the fight was made, but Chris should be too big for Conor. Conor can make 147. He’s not a 160,” Smith stated
‘Find all the latest boxing news and MMA breaking updates on boxingnews.com’
