Eubank Jr vs Benn ‘near certain’ to be on with Hearn discussing Luxembourg-style deal
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EXCLUSIVE: Conor Benn vs Chris Eubank Jr will be resolved by legal talks TODAY, hint Eddie Hearn – who says he will NOT use a foreign body to power the fight despite attempts by other organizers
- Eddie Hearn says Benn vs Eubank Jr legal talks will take place this afternoon
- The British Boxing Board of Control has banned the fight
- Sportsmail broke the news on Wednesday that Benn had failed a drug test
- Hearn insists he won’t use a foreign body to punish the fight
- Eubank Jr’s weight requirements are also discussed in last minute conversations
- Follow all updates of Eubank Jr vs Benn LIVE with Sportsmail
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Eddie Hearn has indicated that the future of Saturday’s fight between Conor Benn and Chris Eubank will be determined by legal disputes with the British Boxing Board of Control this afternoon.
The Hearn’s Matchroom company has challenged the board’s refusal to approve the fight, announced Wednesday in the wake of Sportsmails revelation that Benn had failed a drug test.
In the event that those legal maneuvers fall short, there are figures involved in the fray who are open to pursuing options with a foreign sanctions body — multiple sources have said as many as three would be considered — but Hearn has rejected that option.
Eddie Hearn says legal talks over Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr will take place this afternoon
Eddie Hearn is desperately trying to get the British Boxing Board of Control back on track
He told Sportsmail on Thursday: “We have no need to use a foreign authority.”
Hearn then tweeted: “Let’s see what today brings, but just to make one thing clear, I will not be promoting this fight Saturday night with any foreign commission or alternative governing body.”
His comments follow claims from multiple sources that the battle will “almost certainly” continue, although that seems an optimistic view in light of Hearn’s position.
Legal discussions will be heard in the Supreme Court today after the board announced their opposition to the fight “in the interest of boxing.”
Matchroom claims they shouldn’t block the fight, as Benn’s positive last month didn’t come from UKAD tests, and was instead discovered by a VADA test, which is not formally under the control of the Board. Such a view has been met with disbelief around the sport.
Sportsmail’s Riath Al-Samarrai broke Benn’s exclusive drug positive test on Wednesday
Benn tested positive for banned substance clomiphene in the run-up to mega fight
Benn is pictured building up the fight, which will see him move up two weight classes
Sportsmail also understands that there have been discussions about revising Eubank Jr’s weight for the fight.
Under the terms of the existing deal, the middleweight must come in with a catchweight of 157 pounds – three pounds below the middleweight limit.
That he has such a weight advantage over Benn, a natural welterweight, is already a concern, not least from Chris Eubank Snr, who previously said he fears for his son’s life.
However, sources say the limit could be raised amid the fallout from Benn’s positive test.
The Board of Trustees has remained largely silent during the astonishing episode, with the exception of a brief statement on Wednesday announcing their withdrawal. Several attempts have been made to contact their general secretary, Robert Smith.