The boxing rivalry between Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn has taken another dramatic turn as they prepare to face off on April 26 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The build-up intensified during the first pre-fight press conference held on Tuesday, where both fighters engaged in their trademark trash talk.
The event, held in Manchester, was not short on theatrics. Eubank Jr. and Benn stood face-to-face, exchanging words as expected. But the drama escalated unexpectedly when Eubank slapped Benn across the face with a raw egg he had concealed. This surprising act left the audience and media electrified, prompting security to intervene and separate the two fighters as Benn shouted, "Get off me!" to those restraining him. Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn characterized Eubank's move as a "b—h move," expressing initial concern he might be wielding something more dangerous.
After the incident, Eubank took to social media to taunt Benn about his previous issues with performance-enhancing drug tests, saying, "Apparently egg contamination was the reason for his two failed drugs tests. So I contaminated him with an egg." This jab reflects the deeply personal nature of their rivalry, which has festered over years.
During the press conference, Benn pointed out the absence of Eubank's father, Chris Eubank Sr., which he used to mock his rival's reputation. "You could not pay [Eubank Sr.] enough money to sit in this man's corner. Now that's an accomplishment, well done. Most unlikeable geezer on the planet," he said, delivering another personal blow.
The fight marks the culmination of years of animosity as Eubank and Benn finally get the chance to settle their differences inside the ring. Not only is this bout significant for both fighters, but it also holds future implications for their careers. Turki Alalshikh, who oversees major boxing events, hinted at the possibility of the winner moving on to challenge unified super middleweight champion Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez. Alalshikh stated, "Whoever is the winner we are working to have him fight against Canelo," emphasizing the potential future riches and accolades awaiting the victor.
Eubank Jr. voices his perspective on the dynamic of being labeled the 'bad guy' saying, "The bad guy is back again." He expressed how, unexpectedly, both he and Benn have emerged as the villains of the story. "For the first time in boxing history, in a mega-fight, there are two bad guys," Eubank stated, acknowledging the strange position both find themselves in as they head toward their bout.
Despite the public perception, Eubank pointed out how he has consistently carved his path without engaging in underhanded tactics. Further elaboration was found as he described Benn's fall from grace: "You had the whole public behind you. Everyone wanted you to win. You p—ed it all away." This highlights not only Eubank's own struggles but also the precariousness of Benn's status as he tries to reclaim his position after the controversies.
With both fighters having claimed they are motivated by their dislike for one another, the atmosphere leading up to this match is charged with aggression and anticipation. Eubank’s history, including his loss to Billy Joe Saunders and subsequent victories, enhances his persona. He is ready to embrace whatever reaction he receives from the crowd as he steps back inside the ring on fight night.
Looking forward, this fight will not only be significant for Eubank and Benn but will also impact the broader boxing scene, especially with the potential of exposing the winner to one of boxing’s biggest draws, Canelo Alvarez. The ramifications following this fight could reshape narratives and careers, depending on its outcome.
With two rival boxers entrenched deeply in their animosity, fans can expect one of the most heated encounters as the clock ticks down to what many are dubbing the match of the year.