CHRIS Eubank Jr and Conor Benn have given conflicting views on the immediate future of their respective careers, keeping their potential showdown firmly in the balance.
The pair were supposed to lock horns back in 2022, with Eubank, 34-3 (25 KOs), boiling himself down to meet his rival at a catchweight of 157 lbs.
However, their clash was cancelled after it was revealed that Benn, 23-0 (14 KOs), had failed two drug tests conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA).
Since then, the 28-year-old has fought to clear his name in the UK, while also securing unanimous decision victories against Rodolfo Orozco and Peter Dobson in the US.
In November, though, Benn’s ban to fight on home soil was lifted by the National Anti-Doping Panel (NADP), with UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) ultimately choosing not to appeal the decision.
But while ‘The Destroyer’ looks to stage his next outing on British shores, it appears that his mooted dustup with Eubank is neither signed, sealed nor delivered.
Instead, Benn has told Boxing News that his preferred option would be to take on WBC world welterweight titlist Mario Barrios.
Eubank, meanwhile, has suggested that, following the involvement of Turki Alalshikh in negotiations, his clash with Benn is now close to being finalised.
“At the moment, I believe we’re very close to making the Conor Benn fight, and there should be an announcement within the next couple weeks,” Eubank told Boxing News.
“Boxing is full of uncertainty – that’s all I’ve ever dealt with in my entire career. You learn to come to terms and be at peace with that.
“We need to get the fight made… the fight will be made.”
Previously, Eubank had demanded a 55-45 split in his favour, while Benn and his promoter Eddie Hearn have always insisted on a 50-50 split.
But while his financial demands seemingly remain unchanged, the 35-year-old appears more confident that their bout – now at 160 lbs – will take place next.
Benn, on the other hand, has not lost faith in landing a potential world title shot against Barrios.
“I’ve left it to my team to make the right fight for me,” he told Boxing News. “All I know is that I’ve said yes to both [Eubank and Barrios].
“We’re just waiting on a date [for the Barrios fight]. This will be the homecoming; my next fight will be in the UK.”
