Chris Eubank Jr. and Liam Smith have urged Conor Benn to abandon his intentions to resume his career outside of the United Kingdom and to accept any punishment that UK Anti-Doping may impose. The two fighters, who will rematch in Manchester in June, commented on the Benn dispute.
Benn failed two clomifene tests before Eubank’s catchweight bout in October 2018. Eubank was emphatic. Before Eubank would fight Benn, he must “clear his name” and regain his British Boxing Board of Control license. When asked if Benn, who has been provisionally suspended and charged by Ukad, should accept any suspension that may result from a thorough investigation of his case, Smith responded as bluntly.
Yes,” Smith responded, “because if you are innocent, proving your innocence shouldn’t take this long.” Because you’re attempting to find the best sports lawyers and nutritionists to examine a loophole regarding how it got into his system, [Benn] went silent for two or three months. I believe that they are still doing that.”
Benn has always protested his innocence vehemently, and according to a 270-page report compiled by his team, he is exonerated. However, this report has not been widely disseminated, and Benn has frequently expressed his desire to reengage Eubank in the Middle East. When asked what Benn needed to do for them to ultimately meet in the ring, Eubank responded, “It’s crystal clear. Get his British boxing licence restored to compete in the UK, where it makes sense and is intended. Not in the Middle East or while so much is transpiring regarding [the unresolved controversy]. He must cleanse his good name.”
When asked if he had contemplated fighting Benn in the Middle East, Eubank stated, “I entertained the notion.”
“I considered it, but this fight made the most sense for me [against Smith]. I must avenge the defeat.”
Smith defeated Eubank with decisiveness in January. The rematch clause was triggered, but Benn and his promoter Eddie Hearn were eager to lure Eubank into a lucrative bout in Abu Dhabi, despite harsh criticism. “We don’t need to discuss how far apart we were in negotiations,” Eubank said, “but after weighing my options, I chose not to.”
Eubank admitted that the British Board’s threat that he could lose his license if he fought Benn under the current circumstances influenced his decision. “Of sure. You must take every factor into account.”
Smith underlined the board’s warning that any British boxing licence holder who promotes or fights Benn might be sanctioned. Smith stated, “I knew in the background Eubank and his team were doing their best to make the Conor Benn fight.” “I believe the final straw for them came two weeks ago when the board refused to budge. The post they published was primarily directed at Eubank. If Eubank proceeds with the fight against Conor Benn, he will be dealt with. And credit to Chris. I believe he pondered, “Where will I go after Conor Benn if I burn all my bridges with the British Boxing Board?”
Smith also implied that Eubank was “terrified” during their initial bout. “He was closing his eyes,” Smith reported. “He appeared afraid.”
When told about Smith’s remarks, Eubank responded with a stoic tone. He stated, “I did not want to be struck.” “I’m a very good-looking individual. I would like to maintain these good looks.”
