Chris Eubank Jr faces hefty fines and controversy as he prepares to fight Conor Benn.
Boxing fans are gearing up for one of the most anticipated matches of 2025, as Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn are set to face off on April 26 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. This fight marks the culmination of years of rivalry, fueled by past grudges between their fathers and recent dramatic incidents.
Both fighters have been at the center of recent attention due to intense verbal exchanges and physical confrontations. One particularly noteworthy incident occurred during their launch press conference last month, when Eubank Jr smashed an egg on Benn’s face, referencing Benn's two failed drug tests from 2022. This act led to Eubank Jr being fined £100,000 ($125,000) by the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC), drawing considerable outrage from observers who noted the unusually steep penalty.
Robert Smith of BBBoC clarified the rationale for the fine, citing the nature of Eubank Jr's act as “assault.” He explained, “Forget about the egg. He hit him with force, and it was premeditated.” This fine is not Eubank Jr's first run-in with the Board; he has faced similar scrutiny before for various actions, including trading insults with rival Liam Smith and showing up late for weigh-ins.
Despite the controversy surrounding his penalty, Eubank Jr characterized the fine as “money well spent.” He remains adamant about his long-standing grudge against Benn, accusing him of ruining his father's legacy through his past actions. The emotional connection to their families adds layers to this rivalry, and during their recent interview with Piers Morgan, Eubank Jr expressed the depth of this animosity, claiming Benn has “put a black mark against the Benn name.”
The build-up to the fight has not only revolved around their intense rivalry but also the familial tensions. Benn, after witnessing Eubank Jr's egg-throwing incident, commented during the Morgan interview, “It would be great to see you and your dad in your corner.” This statement reflects Benn's genuine concern about Eubank Jr's estranged relationship with his father, Chris Eubank Sr., who previously advised against reigniting their families’ feud.
While Eubank Jr responded skeptically to Benn’s comments, articulately questioning the sincerity of his rival's remarks, it’s clear the stakes are high for both men. The deep-rooted issues stemming from their fathers’ legendary rivalry only heighten the interest surrounding this match, climactically set for April 26.
Benn hopes to keep his father's legacy alive during this fight against Eubank Jr. Having triumphed over his own controversies, including the lifting of his temporary suspension by the National Anti-Doping Panel last November, Benn appears focused and ready to face his opponent. Both fighters recognize the weight of their fathers' pasts on their own legacies.
Adding to the tension, Benn recently hit back at Eubank Jr's financial bet offer, claiming he is struggling with money problems from gambling with soccer star Neymar. This fiery exchange only amplifies the animosity between the fighters as they prepare for their grudge match.
Promoter Eddie Hearn weighed in on the situation, proposing to match Eubank Jr’s bet offer of £1 million against Benn, urging him, “put your money where your mouth is.” This challenge was met with Eubank Jr's eager acceptance, reflecting both boxers' determination to provide their fans with the spectacular showdown they’ve long awaited.
The upcoming match is expected to draw substantial crowds and media attention, as fans witness the culmination of years of rivalry, deep-seated family tensions, and two fighters skirting controversy this past month. It is poised to be the clash of the titans, with mixed feelings as to whether these two men will hit the final bell unscathed—or if violence will creep back in, as it so often does within high-stakes confrontations.
With everything at stake, the world will be watching next month as Eubank Jr and Benn prepare to clash in one of boxing’s most storied rivalries. Both fighters are ready to put everything on the line, with the hope of cementing their legacy on this historic match day.
