The long-standing rivalry between Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn took another dramatic turn as Eubank Jr publicly refused to shake Benn’s hand, branding him a “cheat.” The incident occurred during a press event promoting their much-anticipated fight, reigniting discussions about Benn’s past doping controversy, despite it being a case that has now been largely resolved.
Eubank Jr., never one to shy away from a verbal battle, stood firm in his decision, refusing to extend any gesture of respect towards Benn. The moment stunned fans and media alike, further intensifying the already heated buildup to their bout.
Benn’s career took a hit in 2022 when he tested positive for a banned substance, leading to the cancellation of his scheduled fight with Eubank Jr at the time. Despite his efforts to clear his name and the fact that he has now been reinstated to fight, the controversy still lingers in the minds of many, including Eubank Jr. Eubank Jr. addressed the matter bluntly saying His remarks left Benn visibly frustrated, as he has repeatedly maintained his innocence and worked towards moving past the scandal. The British Boxing Board of Control and other governing bodies have since allowed him to fight, but for some, like Eubank Jr., the stain remains.
Unwilling to let Eubank Jr’s words go unchallenged, Benn quickly fired back. Benn has spent the past year fighting for his career, training tirelessly, and focusing on getting back in the ring. Many of his supporters argue that he has done enough to move forward, but Eubank Jr. remains one of his harshest critics.
The verbal battle between the two fighters only adds more intrigue to their upcoming fight, with fans now more eager than ever to see them settle their differences inside the ring. This latest spat is just another chapter in the long-standing animosity between the two boxers. Their fathers, Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn, shared one of British boxing’s most legendary rivalries, and their sons seem to be following in their footsteps. The refusal to shake hands is symbolic of the bad blood between them. While some see it as a mere publicity stunt to generate interest in the fight, others believe that Eubank Jr.’s comments reflect genuine resentment.
With fight night fast approaching, the tension is expected to reach new heights. Whether or not Benn can earn Eubank Jr’s respect remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: when the two finally step into the ring, neither will be holding back.
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