Chris Eubank Jr reveals sour moment between him and Conor Benn moments after appearing to bury hatchet in ring

The Sun

12-05-2025

CHRIS EUBANK JR has revealed the reason he refused to shake Conor Benn's hand after their thrilling fight.
The born rivals renewed their family feud at the end of April for a middleweight grudge match years in the making.
And Eubank walked away with bragging rights after a 12-round slugfest for the ages at Tottenham's stadium.
But unlike after most epic bouts, the two bitter advisories did not embrace following battle.
And Eubank, 35, revealed he has still not forgiven Benn, 28, for failing a drug tests in 2022 to initially KO their original fight date.
He said on Diary Of A CEO: "The fight finished, I did not shake his hand, I didn't congratulate him, I didn't speak to him, I didn't hug him.
"Which is what most fighters, pretty much all fighters do after they fight. And especially after a fight like that, you would expect that.
"I couldn't do it. I didn't have it in me because in my mind, this kid is still a drugs cheat.
"He still tried to cheat in our first fight. Failed two drug tests - never owned up to it.
"Denied it, denied it, denied it. No apologies, no admittance, no manning up.
Eubank Jr vs Benn: SunSport's verdict
THIRTY-FIVE YEARS of the Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr rivalry was settled with 36 minutes of violence.
Yet with all the tremendous heart shown by both boxers, there wasn't much technique, skill or finesse on display here.
After tons of trash talking, egg throwing and mind games that have been played out to the world over the last three years, SunSport's Wally Downes Jr gives his verdict on what should be the final chapter in one of British boxing's biggest beefs.
Read here to find out why the 12-round slugfest should not be repeated - and why the rivalry should now be put to bed.
"I can't forgive that, I can't respect that, I can't shake that hand until there is some accountability. He's not going to give it."
Benn tested positive for clomifene - a banned substance known to boost testosterone - but protested his innocence.
He was provisionally suspended by UK Anti-Doping but took his career to America for two wins as the case dragged on.
Eventually, UKAD dropped the case against Benn to allow him to fight on home soil against Eubank.
The fight was set at the 160lb middleweight limit and Eubank missed the weight by an agonising 0.05lb - costing him a £375,000 fine.
And he then had to weigh under 170lb per the rehydration clause in their contract on the morning of the bout.
Even so, Eubank took a unanimous points win but spent two days in hospital due to severe dehydration.
A rematch with Benn is already agreed as part of their initial contract - with Eubank preparing for a sequel.
He said: "It's very likely that the fight will happen again at some point this year.
"I want what the fans want. If the fans want to see it next, who am I to say no?"