The simmering tension between Chris Eubank Jr and promoter Eddie Hearn has exploded into a full-blown public war of words, with Eubank launching a blistering verbal assault on the Matchroom Boxing chief.
The catalyst for the outburst is the spectacular collapse of a long-awaited grudge match between Eubank Jr and Conor Benn. The fight, which carries the legacy of their fathers' legendary rivalry, has been plagued by delays, most notably due to Benn's ongoing suspension following two failed drug tests.
In a no-holds-barred interview, Eubank Jr pulled no punches, directly blaming Hearn for the fight's failure to materialise. He accused the promoter of being disingenuous and more focused on protecting his own business interests than on making the fight fans desperately want to see.
The Heart of the Feud
Eubank Jr's fury appears to stem from what he perceives as Hearn's dual role. He alleges that while Hearn was publicly negotiating for a Benn fight, he was simultaneously presenting him with alternative, less lucrative offers for other bouts.
"He's not a guy that I particularly like or trust," Eubank Jr stated, leaving no room for ambiguity about their relationship. This breakdown in trust is now the central barrier to one of British boxing's most lucrative and exciting matchups.
What's Next for Eubank Jr?
With the Benn fight in tatters for the foreseeable future, Eubank Jr is now forced to look elsewhere. His focus has shifted, and he is actively seeking a new opponent for a planned summer bout.
This public airing of boxing's dirty laundry exposes the often-fractious relationship between fighters and promoters. It highlights how personal grievances and promotional alignments can derail super-fights, leaving fans disappointed and the sport's reputation tarnished.
For now, the bitter back-and-forth ensures that the Eubank-Benn saga remains one of the most compelling and frustrating stories in sports, a dramatic sequel to their fathers' battles that has, so far, failed to get out of the negotiating room and into the ring.
