The gloves are off outside the ring as two of British boxing's biggest names engage in a verbal slugfest that's revealing more punches than their actual fights. In exclusive sit-down interviews, promoter Eddie Hearn and middleweight contender Chris Eubank Jr have laid bare the bitter truth about their fractured relationship.
The Breakdown: What Went Wrong?
What began as a promising partnership has deteriorated into one of the sport's most public and acrimonious fallouts. Both men point fingers, both claim betrayal, and both are telling dramatically different versions of the same story.
Eddie Hearn's perspective paints a picture of frustration and unmet expectations. The Matchroom Boxing chief suggests Eubank Jr's career decisions have hampered his progression to the elite level he so desperately craves.
'There were opportunities, big fights that could have been made, but sometimes you need to take calculated risks in this sport,' Hearn explains, his disappointment palpable. 'When fighters don't seize those moments, it becomes increasingly difficult to map out their path to world titles.'
Eubank Jr Fires Back
Chris Eubank Jr offers a starkly different narrative. The second-generation fighter believes his career trajectory was being mismanaged and that his ambitions weren't being properly served.
'I know what I'm worth and what I can achieve in this sport,' Eubank Jr states defiantly. 'When you feel like you're not getting the opportunities your talent deserves, you have to make tough decisions. This isn't personal—it's business.'
The Turning Point
Insiders point to several key moments that accelerated the relationship's collapse:
- Failed negotiations for high-profile domestic clashes
- Differing visions for Eubank Jr's career path
- Communication breakdowns that left both parties frustrated
- Competing offers from other promoters and networks
What This Means for British Boxing
The fallout has significant implications for the UK boxing scene. Eubank Jr remains one of the country's most marketable fighters, while Hearn controls many of the biggest platforms and opportunities.
'This split creates complications for making the biggest fights,' explains one industry insider. 'When a top fighter and a top promoter aren't working together, it often means British fans miss out on the matchups they want to see.'
Where Do They Go From Here?
Despite the bitterness, both men claim to respect each other's abilities. Hearn acknowledges Eubank Jr's talent and marketability, while the fighter concedes Hearn's promotional prowess.
'Never say never in boxing,' Hearn remarks when asked about a potential reconciliation. 'But right now, we're focused on different paths.'
Eubank Jr appears equally focused on moving forward: 'I'm looking ahead, not behind. My career has new energy and new direction. The best is yet to come.'
One thing remains certain: in the dramatic theatre of boxing, this real-life rivalry promises to generate as much excitement as any bout between the ropes.
