Benn’s promoter Smith reveals what it’s like dating Eubank Jr’s sister ahead of their grudge fight

Conor Benn’s promoter Frank Smith has revealed exactly what it was like working on his client’s massive battle against Chris Eubank Jr, while also having a long-term relationship with Emily Eubank.

Smith, the chief executive of promotion company Matchroom Boxing, has been instrumental in organizing the grudge match that will take place at the O2 Arena on Saturday.

Smith, who has worked his way up from attending work experience as a 14-year-old to CEO at Matchroom, met Emily in the bar after Eubank Jr’s fight against Tony Jeter in Sheffield in 2015.

They have been officially dating since November 2016 and regularly post beloved snaps on Instagram from all over the world.

Smith, who has worked with Anthony Joshua in the past, recently admitted that Emily once called him an “asshole” after listening to one of his phone conversations leading up to the London fight.

Conor Benn’s promoter Frank Smith (far left) is in a relationship with Chris Eubank’s sister Emily (pictured left with Smith and right with her brother)

Smith admitted his girlfriend once called him an “asshole” after listening to one of his phone calls before the fight

“I know Emily’s Eubank character so I know what they’re like and I’ve spent a lot of time with Conor since he turned pro,” he explained as he played. The George Groves Boxing Club podcasting.

“And trying to get the fight over the line was where I probably got the most trouble.

“I had to say things I’d say every other time, but obviously my lady next door listens to me and calls me an asshole.

“One of the big points was walking the second, blue corner, name on the poster, and I said to Conor – and I’m behind this with every fighter we work with – it’s so irrelevant.

“You never hear of someone losing the battle because their name was on the other side of the poster.”

Smith took a once-bitten, twice-shy approach, making sure not to talk business over the phone while in the same room as his girlfriend.

Benn (left) and Eubank Jr (right) go head to head on Saturday in their massive grudge match in London

He continued: “Sometimes I’ll say ‘wait a minute, I just need to get out of the room’ or pretend ‘Emily is in the car’, so I can’t talk yet.

“This is a fight that obviously means so much because of its history, but for me I’m probably a little too close to be honest!”

When asked if he will be able to watch Saturday’s showdown while sitting on the fence, Smith vowed to remain expressionless throughout the game.

“For me, I can’t help either – I’m not getting in the ring,” he insisted.

“Who’s going to win, is going to win, it doesn’t matter what I do.

“But I’ll do what I normally do. I’ll sit there with no expression on my face. I’m not gonna laugh or clap or anything. I’m just waiting to see what happens!’

Smith met Emily in the bar after Eubank Jr’s fight against Tony Jeter in Sheffield in 2015

He worked his way up at Matchroom by gaining work experience there as a 14-year-old

Sportsmail exclusively revealed on Wednesday that Benn had failed a drug test, causing the blockbuster fight to go haywire.

The 26-year-old was told he had returned a negative finding for the banned substance clomiphene.

The substance, which is commonly used to treat infertility in women but can increase testosterone in men, has been banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Obviously, Benn’s test was conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association.

However, it appears that Benn’s predicament will NOT cause a cancellation of this weekend’s blockbuster with Eubank Jr, which falls nearly 30 years after the second of two iconic battles between their fathers, Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank.

Eubank Jr still wants the fight to go on. A statement from promoters Wasserman Boxing and Eddie Hearn’s matchroom, in response to: Sportsmails exclusively this morning, read: “Both fighters have sought medical and legal advice, are aware of all pertinent information and are looking to continue the fight next Saturday.”

The positive test does not automatically lead to a ban. The British Board of Boxing Control has designated the British Anti-Doping Agency as the anti-doping authority for this fight and Benn has not tested positive with them.

The highly anticipated fight at London’s O2 Arena is believed to be worth a six-figure fee for each fighter.