Conor Benn appears to have officially declared the rescheduled fight against Chris Eubank Jr, setting the stage for their much-anticipated all-British clash on 3 February. The initial bout between Benn and Eubank Jr faced an abrupt cancellation in October 2022 when it was revealed that Benn had failed two drug tests. Despite the setback, efforts have been underway to rearrange the fight, and recent developments suggest that the showdown is now slated for 3 February.
Taking to Twitter on Monday (27 November), the 27-year-old Benn publicly called out Eubank Jr, 34, signaling a renewed eagerness for the matchup. Stay tuned as the boxing world eagerly anticipates the second attempt at this thrilling face-off.
"I'm eagerly anticipating the opportunity to land some shots on you, @ChrisEubankJr," Benn tweeted. In response, Eubank Jr replied with a menacing tone, saying, "DEAD MAN WALKING." Benn swiftly fired back, asserting, "I'll make sure to jog your memory when you're being picked up off the canvas. Feb 3, I'm putting an end to your career #4rounds." Following the disclosure of his failed drug tests in 2022, Benn faced repercussions as the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) revoked his license, and UK Anti-Doping (Ukad) pressed charges. However, the World Boxing Council later cleared the unbeaten welterweight of any deliberate wrongdoing. This summer, the National Anti-Doping Panel lifted a provisional suspension on Benn, yet the BBBofC and Ukad have lodged an appeal against this decision.
In September, Benn marked his return to the ring for the first time since April 2022, securing a victory against Rodolfo Orozco in Florida after obtaining a Texas boxing license. As of the current update, Benn remains unable to compete in the UK. Meanwhile, Eubank Jr faced a TKO loss to Liam Smith in January but successfully avenged that defeat in a rematch held in September.
The scheduled bout between Eubank Jr and Benn in October 2022 faced cancellation, occurring almost 29 years after a historic encounter between their fathers, Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn. The legendary British icons clashed for the second time on that very day, resulting in a memorable draw. This bout took place three years after Eubank Sr had previously stopped Nigel Benn in a different contest.
For the sake of British boxing, it would be great to see Conor Benn go before the board and clear his name for the two failed drugs test, but the BBBofC maintains strict liability towards Benn’s doping violation. Hopefully, a resolution can be reached, as any ambiguity could impact the legitimacy of drug tests in the UK.