EUBANK
Christopher

Hearn Rejects £1M Wager The war of words between Chris Eubank Jr and Eddie Hearn has taken another turn, with the middleweight star publicly challenging the promoter to a £1 million bet on his upcoming fight with Conor Benn. However, Hearn quickly shut down the proposal, citing regulations that prevent promoters from betting on fights. It all started when Eubank Jr posted a video on social media, daring Hearn to follow through on a previous lighthearted exchange about a seven-figure wager. “Come on, Eddie,” Eubank Jr said in the clip. “[cite=2728]£1m, eh? Okay, let’s find out if you’re a man of your word or just a lying hype job.[/cite]” The challenge immediately caught fire online, fueling anticipation for the long-awaited showdown between Eubank Jr and Benn. Hearn, however, wasted no time responding, clarifying that such a bet would violate British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) regulations. Speaking to The Ring, he addressed the situation head-on: “Very clever, I think it’s easy to trick the public.” He then referenced an official BBBofC ruling that strictly prohibits promoters from directly or indirectly placing bets on fights they are involved in. While dismissing the bet as a publicity stunt, Hearn did suggest an alternative: turning the wager into a charity donation. “So, maybe we could do something for charity,” he said, implying that a good cause could still benefit from the challenge. However, he didn’t miss the chance to take a jab at Eubank Jr, accusing him of chasing clout rather than making a serious proposal. The verbal sparring adds more tension to an already heated rivalry. Eubank Jr and Benn were originally set to clash in 2022, but their bout was called off when Benn failed two drug tests, leading to a lengthy suspension. Since then, Benn has fought twice in the U.S. before finally being cleared to compete in Britain again. Now, their long-overdue fight is back on—three decades after their legendary fathers, Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn, battled in the ring. But while the fight promises fireworks inside the ropes, it seems the drama outside of it is just as compelling. Whether Eubank Jr and Hearn can agree on a new wager remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the mind games have already begun.

Boxing’s Family Feud Boxing icon Chris Eubank Sr has commended his son, Chris Eubank Jr, for successfully navigating the often-turbulent world of professional boxing — despite his recent headline-grabbing antics involving rival Conor Benn. On 26 April, the sons of two legendary fighters, Eubank Jr and Benn, will finally face off at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, three decades after their fathers’ storied battles. The original Eubank-Benn rivalry captivated British boxing, with Eubank Sr securing victory in 1990 and a dramatic draw following in 1993. While their fathers’ clashes were built on fierce competition, the next generation’s feud has been defined by controversy. Last month, Eubank Jr made waves by slapping Benn in the face with an egg — a cheeky reference to Benn’s failed drug tests in 2022. The World Boxing Council (WBC) had suggested the banned substances in Benn’s system may have resulted from excessive egg consumption, a claim that became a focal point of the fighters’ ongoing war of words. The incident led to a £100,000 fine for Eubank Jr, but his father remained philosophical about his son’s journey through the sport. Taking to social media on 12 March, Eubank Sr shared his thoughts, distancing himself from the stunt while still acknowledging his son’s resilience. “[cite=2728]If I would excuse Jr's misconduct because he is my son, then I wouldn't be fit to be the authority in boxing that I am![/cite]” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). In an accompanying video, Eubank Sr reflected on a candid conversation with his son about the changing face of boxing. He admitted struggling to relate to the sport’s modern landscape, recalling how Eubank Jr once told him: “Dad, people aren’t like you. What you’re about is not what boxing is about today.” Their relationship, however, remains complicated. Eubank Jr recently opened up about a growing rift between them, citing personal and professional struggles, including the devastating loss of his younger brother, Sebastian, in 2021. With the highly anticipated bout fast approaching, one lingering question remains: will Eubank Sr be in his son’s corner on fight night? While his attendance is uncertain, Eubank Jr remains focused on his task: settling the score with Benn and stepping further out of his father’s long shadow.