Benn v Eubank Jr ‘very shut’ as Eddie Hearn hints at location

Eddie Hearn claims that Conor Benn vs Chris Eubank Jr is “very close” to getting made once more with Abu Dhabi touted as a possible vacation spot for the bout. The pair have been scheduled to fulfill one another again in October, nevertheless, their struggle was cancelled after Benn failed two pre-fight drug exams.

Benn returned hostile findings for the banned substance clomifene in pattern A and B exams carried out by VADA and has been provisionally banned by the British Boxing Board of Control’s official anti-doping accomplice UKAD pending additional investigation. The 26-year-old can nonetheless field in occasions not sanctioned beneath the auspices of the BBBofC and it seems Matchroom Boxing are exploring that chance.

Matchroom chief Frank Smith not too long ago visited the United Arab Emirates to debate enterprise with the oil-rich nation and Hearn has now hinted that Abu Dhabi is within the working to play host to Benn vs Eubank Jr.

He informed Boxing Social: “I think we’re very close to making that fight. I’d be lying if I told you that we aren’t motivated to make that fight because we really want to make that fight, it’s a huge fight.

“Eubank needs the struggle, Conor Benn needs the struggle, I would not say I’m not concerned within the struggle however Frank Smith is main the way in which. I’ll do no matter offers should be performed behind the scenes, I’ll pop up at any conferences that have to get something over the road however I consider that may occur.

“When? That’s the key but that’s the fight to make. Could be August, could be September, could be December. It doesn’t have to be in Abu Dhabi. I’d love this fight to happen in the UK but there’s a lot going on with UKAD… But Abu Dhabi also know this is a massive fight and you’re going to sell out the Etihad, you’re going to have huge numbers of British fans flying over for that fight.”

In the meantime, Eubank Jr is at present making ready for his second struggle with Liam Smith on July 1. The rematch was initially scheduled to happen in June however was pushed again to early July after Smith requested a delay in an effort to recuperate from a minor hand harm.

Their inaugural encounter produced a shock consequence as Smith turned the primary man to cease Eubank Jr with a vicious fourth-round knockout.