Eddie Hearn has a feeling
Chris Eubank Jr. will fight for the final time Saturday night.
Conor Benn’s promoter has a well-documented contentious relationship with Eubank. Hearn’s prediction is based on the 36-year-old Eubank’s age, though, as well as several physically taxing fights he has experienced in recent years, including his
12-round points victory over Benn on April 26.
Matchroom Boxing’s chairman believes Benn will win what will emerge as one fight too many for Eubank, who will again squeeze down to the middleweight limit of 160 pounds for the second clash between these bitter British rivals at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
“I wish him the best,” Hearn told The Ring. “I think this will be his last fight next Saturday, I really do. I think he’s old, he’s had some tough nights. Last time was very tough. And I believe Conor Benn will win next Saturday. But best of luck to both. May they both come out healthy, and God bless everyone.”
Hearn was jokingly asked if he would ever have tea with Eubank, who claims Hearn intentionally delayed an ambulance from taking him to a nearby hospital after he beat Benn six months ago at Tottenham Hotspur. Eubank suffered from severe dehydration following that grueling fight and lost one of his toenails.
Hearn threatened to sue Eubank for making that claim.
“I would,” a smirking Hearn replied in regard to getting together with Eubank. “But he’s just got something bad for me, ... like he’s fighting me, rather than Conor. … Honestly, like I would pleasantly have a cup of tea with him after [the fight] because I respect what the guy does in the ring. Last time, listen, it was tough going. But I won’t allow people to lie and make up, you know, defamatory comments about me and our company because we have a reputation in boxing, and it’s extremely solid and built over 40 years.
“But unfortunately, he’s too stubborn to say, ‘Sorry.’ And it’s just a case of, ‘I don’t like you, but I shouldn’t have said that. I apologize.’ That’s it. But he won’t bring himself to say it. And that’s why it’s gonna go on and on and on, and it’s gonna cost everyone a lotta money.”
Eubank (35-3, 25 KOs) and Benn (23-1, 14 KOs) will headline The Ring’s “Unfinished Business 2” pay-per-view card Saturday night. DAZN will distribute the show in the UK (£24.99) and the United States ($59.99).
DraftKings lists Eubank (-175) as a favorite to beat Benn (+135) again.
Keith Idec is a senior writer and columnist for The Ring. He can be reached on X @idecboxing.