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Chris Eubank Jr. is on the verge of revisiting past business with plans in play for a grudge match against Conor Benn. The previously canceled battle between the two second-generation boxers is being eyed for a June 3 DAZN show from Abu Dhabi. Eubank Jr. is also in discussion for a rematch with Liam Smith, leaving his decision up in the air.
The pairing initially generated major headlines due to their familiar bloodlines, but the event was ultimately cancelled during fight week due to Benn testing positive for the banned substance clomiphene. Benn relinquished his BBBofC license prior to a scheduled October 21 hearing, which forbids him from fighting on UK soil. The WBC has since reinstated Benn’s placement after a thorough review of his case.
Eubank Jr. opted to move forward with his career despite the cancellation of the fight with Benn. He lost to Liverpool’s Smith in a middleweight fight in January, but exercised a rematch clause in February. Smith was legally bound to a second Eubank meeting, causing him to bow out of an ordered mandatory title challenge versus WBO middleweight titlist Janibek Alimkhanuly.
Firm plans are in place for Ilford's Benn to headline the June 3 show, but Eubank, Kell Brook, and Manny Pacquiao have all been mentioned as potential foes. The resurfacing of the Benn-Eubank clash adds another layer of complexity to Eubank’s future plans. The decision of which door to walk through remains up in the air.