The Heated Media Conference

The rivalry between British boxers Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn reached new heights during a volatile media conference in Manchester. The event, held at the Manchester Central Auditorium, saw Eubank Jr slap Benn across the face with an egg, escalating tensions between the two fighters. This incident has added another layer of drama to their already intense rivalry, which dates back to their fathers' legendary bouts in the early 1990s.

A History of Rivalry

Eubank Jr and Benn are set to face off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 26 April, in what promises to be one of the most anticipated fights of the year. Their rivalry is deeply personal, fueled by their fathers' historic clashes in the ring. Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn fought twice in the early 1990s, with both bouts becoming iconic moments in British boxing history. Now, their sons are carrying on that legacy, but with even more animosity.

The Egg Incident

During the media conference, the tension between the two fighters was palpable. After exchanging heated words, Eubank Jr pulled an egg from his pocket and struck Benn across the face. The incident shocked the audience and security personnel, who quickly intervened to separate the boxers. Benn, already known for his volatile nature, lost control, and the situation nearly turned into a full-blown brawl.

The Build-Up to the Fight

The fight between Eubank Jr and Benn was originally scheduled for October 2022, but it was postponed after Benn failed a voluntary drug test. Benn has consistently denied any intentional doping, and an independent report by the WBC in February 2023 suggested that the failed test could have been due to an "elevated consumption of eggs." Eubank Jr took a jab at this by posting on social media, "Apparently egg contamination was the reason for his two failed drugs tests. So I contaminated him with an egg."

The Fighters' Mindset

Both fighters are confident heading into the bout. Benn, who is undefeated in 23 fights with 14 stoppages, has vowed to "end Eubank Jr's career." Eubank Jr, on the other hand, boasts a record of 34 wins and has fought at a higher level, with losses only to former world champions. He believes he is the superior fighter in every aspect and is determined to prove it in the ring.

The Role of Promoters

Promoters Eddie Hearn (Benn) and Ben Shalom (Eubank Jr) have also been drawn into the rivalry. Eubank Jr took particular aim at Hearn during the media conference, repeatedly interrupting him and declaring, "This is not the Eddie Hearn show." Hearn, however, remained unfazed, refusing to back down.

What to Expect

With the fight just around the corner, fans can expect an all-out war between these two bitter rivals. The egg incident has only added fuel to the fire, and both fighters are more motivated than ever to settle their score in the ring. It remains to be seen whether the security team will need to step up their efforts when the two face off again at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday.