
934 Days of Drama: Inside the Turbulent Road to Eubank Jr vs. Benn
On 6 October 2022, what was meant to be a routine pre-fight press conference at a London hotel turned into a breaking news event. Reporters had gathered for final media engagements ahead of the highly anticipated showdown between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn—set to take place just two days later—only to be informed that the fight was cancelled.
That announcement marked the beginning of a chaotic 934-day saga that transformed a generational boxing rivalry into one of the sport’s most bitter and controversial feuds.
A Legacy Reignited, Then Rocked
The sons of British boxing legends Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr, who fought twice in the 1990s, were set to renew family hostilities in a blockbuster bout. Unlike their fathers’ fierce yet professional rivalry, this modern chapter became a cautionary tale of controversy, accusations, and legal wrangling.
The cancellation stemmed from Benn's failed drug test, which detected clomifene—a fertility drug banned in sport. The revelation rocked the boxing world, casting a dark cloud over what was billed as a nostalgic yet legitimate contest between two of Britain’s most recognisable boxing names.
Benn has always denied deliberately doping, claiming the result stemmed from contamination. He launched a public relations and legal battle, including the submission of a 270-page dossier to the World Boxing Council (WBC). While the WBC didn’t fully exonerate him, they controversially suggested his failed test might have been caused by "excessive egg consumption"—a finding that quickly became the butt of jokes and tabloid fodder.
Legal Turmoil and Career Detours
Benn was provisionally suspended in March 2023, sparking a lengthy legal fight. Although he was briefly cleared, appeals from UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) reinstated the ban. Benn would only be officially cleared to fight in the UK again by November 2024.
During that limbo, Benn fought twice in the U.S., securing points victories over Rodolfo Orozco and Peter Dobson. But back in the UK, his reputation had taken a serious hit, with public perception tainted and trust diminished.
Benn gave limited interviews during this time but notably broke down in a conversation with Piers Morgan, claiming a "vendetta" was being waged against him. He has since spent over £1 million on legal costs, and despite calls for transparency, has refused to publicly release his full legal case or test findings.
Eubank’s Journey and the Lingering Shadow
While Benn was mired in scandal, Eubank Jr continued his career. He suffered a shock defeat to Liam Smith in early 2023 but bounced back with a commanding victory in their rematch eight months later.
He flirted with a high-profile fight against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, but the spectre of Benn never disappeared—sometimes literally. In October 2023, Benn travelled to Saudi Arabia and confronted Eubank at a media event. After Eubank’s victory in the ring, Benn stormed in for a heated face-off, with Brazilian football star Neymar awkwardly caught between the rivals.
Eventually, with financial backing from Saudi Arabia, the long-awaited fight was back on. Eubank declared his intention to “make Benn pay,” while Benn claimed there was “no bigger fight” for him and said he even turned down a world title shot to settle the score.
Hype, Humour, and a Viral Slap
As the bout neared, tensions flared in public. During a press conference in February, the two clashed repeatedly. But it was their first face-off that went viral: Eubank, referencing the WBC’s egg theory, dramatically slapped Benn in the face with an egg taken from his pocket.
The moment divided opinion—some called it disgraceful, others hailed it as brilliant promotion. Eubank was fined £100,000, but the image became iconic, symbolising a rivalry driven by emotion, legacy, and controversy.
The Final Countdown
Now, after more than two years of feuding, legal delays, and personal attacks, Eubank Jr and Benn are finally set to meet in the ring at the 62,000-seat Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
From courtroom drama to viral antics, the road to this fight has been unlike any other in modern British boxing. It’s not just a clash of styles or legacies—it’s a culmination of nearly three years of tension, resentment, and unfinished business.
Whether Saturday’s bout delivers a satisfying end to this chapter or simply adds fuel to an already blazing fire remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: this is no longer just a fight—it’s a saga.