Benn and Eubank were scheduled to fight at London's O2 Arena on 7 October 2022 Reporters gathered in a London hotel on 6 October 2022 for a pre-fight news conference, only to be told the contest between Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr - which was scheduled to take place two days later - had been cancelled. That was the moment 934 days of chaos began, and transformed what was an intense rivalry between two families into a bitter feud. The fight had been cancelled because Benn had failed a drugs test, which sent shockwaves through the sport. It meant a delay to the start of the second generation of Benn-Eubank rivalry, following their fathers' iconic fights in the early 1990s. More than two years on, the pair will finally face off in the ring at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday. Eubank has told BBC Sport he wants "revenge" and to "make Benn pay". Benn, who has always protested his innocence, predicts "a one-sided beat-down". From Benn's two-year doping battle to theinfamous Eubank slap with an eggthat left every tabloid headline writer scrambling for the best pun, it is hard to recall a fight already steeped in so much history, hatred and hostility before the chime of the first bell. This video can not be played Look back at how the fight's cancellation was announced in 2022 Former super-middleweight world champions Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn fought twice during a fabled era for the weight division in Britain. Eubank Sr won the first fight in 1990 and the second ended in a split-decision draw in 1993. Two decades later, their sons began their own boxing journeys. They competed in different divisions, though, so there was no clear collision path until a lucrative fight - courtesy of the public's nostalgia-fuelled demands - was agreed for October 2022. Despite some low-level trash talk, neither boxer overstepped the line during media events. They even shared a cordial handshake in one face-off interview. "I could even say I liked him because there's no other person on the planet that's experiencing this journey and can relate to what I've gone through. There was 100% respect there," Eubank says. However, that respect disappeared when news that Benn had returned an adverse finding forwomen's fertility drug clomifene was leakedon the Wednesday of fight week. The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC)decided not to sanction the fight,and the cancellation was confirmed a day later. Benn was smuggled out of the hotel before the assembled media was told. It was a black eye for boxing without a punch being thrown and it dragged Benn into one of British boxing's biggest doping stories. This video can not be played Benn v Eubank face-off ends with egg slap Bennadmitted to two failed testsbut insisted he was innocent of intentional doping and suggested it may have been because of contamination. He was provisionally suspended from fighting in March 2023. After a lengthy saga, during which the ban was lifted then reintroduced following appeals by UK Anti-Doping (Ukad) and the BBBofC, Benn was finally cleared to fight in the UK in November 2024. Before that, he twice competed in the United States, earning unspectacular points wins over Rodolfo Orozco in September 2023 and Peter Dobson in February 2024. But his reputation - back home, in particular - took a pounding. Benn sent a 270-page dossier to the WBC that he believed proved no wrongdoing. He was mocked by boxing followers when the WBC concluded the failed tests might have been caused by a "highly elevated consumption" of eggs. A well-known restaurant even posted an image of a regular pizza topped with boiled eggs, alongside the caption 'Conor Benn special'. Benn limited his media interviews, but came close to tears while talking about a "vendetta" against him when speaking to Piers Morgan. The reason for the failed tests remain inconclusive and we may never find out why or how clomifene entered Benn's body. Benn - who says he has spent £1m in legal costs - feels vindicated and does not see the need to release the dossier or the findings of his legal battle. Yet his promoter Eddie Hearn says he expects his fighter to be jeered during his ringwalk, with some of the boxing public remaining unconvinced. Benn (right) stormed the ring to face off with Eubank after his most recent win in October While Benn dealt with failed doping tests, Eubank turned his attention elsewhere. He was one half of one of the most compelling rivalries of recent years, suffering a shock loss to Liverpudlian Liam Smith two months after his cancelled fight with Benn. Eubankavenged that defeatwith a dominant win inside the distance eight months later. He had been in the running for a lucrative shot at undisputed super-middleweight champion Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez, but the shadow of Benn was never far away - sometimes literally. Benn travelled to Saudi Arabia in October,pushing Eubank at a media eventas his rival prepared to fight Kamil Szeremeta. After Eubank secured a routine stoppage win, Benn stormed the ring. Superstar Brazil footballer Neymar looked bemused, caught in the middle of a face-off as the pair hurled abuse at each other. After months of arguing over purse splits, it took wealthy Saudi Arabia to get the fighters to agree terms. Eubank says he is simply giving the public what they want. "Why not exact my revenge on this man for the things he said about me, for the things he put me through over the last few years?" he says. Benn says there was "no other fight" for him, claiming he turned down a world title opportunity. This video can not be played 'I felt that was the fair thing to do' - Eubank on Benn egg slap The magnitude of the fight has gradually increased over the past two and a half years. Any doubts it would not sell out the 62,000-capacity Tottenham Hotspur Stadium were quickly put to bed during the first media blitz. The boxers squabbled like petulant schoolchildren at a news conference in February, with Eubank holding court, taking aim at everyone in his eyeline, including Benn and Hearn. Then came the viral moment. During their first face-off, Eubank took one of 16 eggs nestled in his pocket andslapped it across Benn's cheek,a nod to the aforementioned WBC report. Eubank coughed up ahefty £100,000 fine.Critics say it was a poor look for the sport, others feel it was a stroke of promotional genius. Whichever side you sit on, and for all the fighters and their fathers have gone through, the egg slap has become the unexpected defining image of a rivalry that will finally make it into the ring for a much-anticipated fight on Saturday.
Inside 934 days of Eubank-Benn bitterness and chaos
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr. Set to Face Off After Lengthy Doping Controversy"
Bbc News
6.0
TruthLens AI Summary
The highly anticipated boxing match between Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr., scheduled for October 7, 2022, at London's O2 Arena, was abruptly canceled just a day prior due to Benn's failed drug test. This shocking revelation marked the beginning of a tumultuous 934 days filled with controversy and animosity, transforming what began as a rivalry rooted in family history into a bitter feud. The fight was supposed to reignite the legacy of their fathers, who had faced each other in iconic bouts during the early 1990s. Eubank has expressed a desire for revenge, while Benn maintains his innocence regarding the doping allegations, predicting a decisive victory. The fallout from the cancellation has been significant, with Benn embroiled in a lengthy legal battle over his doping case, which included two failed tests for clomifene, a substance linked to fertility treatments. Despite his claims of unintentional doping, the boxing community has been divided over his reputation, particularly in the UK, where skepticism remains prevalent.
As the fight finally approaches, scheduled to take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the anticipation has only intensified. The rivalry's history is punctuated by dramatic moments, including an infamous incident where Eubank slapped an egg across Benn's face during a promotional event, a gesture that became a viral sensation and a symbol of their contentious relationship. Eubank's path has also seen its share of challenges, including a surprising loss to Liam Smith, which he later avenged. The fighters' ongoing exchanges, both verbal and physical, have kept public interest high, culminating in a sold-out event expected to draw significant attention. As they prepare to step into the ring, both fighters are acutely aware of the stakes involved, with Eubank seeking to settle scores and Benn aiming to reclaim his standing in the sport. This long-awaited confrontation not only carries personal stakes for the fighters but also represents a pivotal moment in the narrative of British boxing, blending legacy, rivalry, and the quest for redemption.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article delves into the ongoing rivalry between Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr., which has been characterized by drama and controversy since their highly anticipated match was canceled in October 2022 due to Benn's failed drug test. This narrative not only highlights the personal stakes for both fighters but also examines the broader implications for boxing and its audience.
Intent Behind the Article
The piece appears to aim at rekindling interest in a long-standing sports rivalry, showcasing both the emotional and competitive aspects of the fighters. By framing the story around the themes of revenge and innocence, it seeks to engage readers and build anticipation for the upcoming match. The focus on the personal histories of the fighters adds depth and context, making it not just a sporting event but a significant cultural moment.
Public Perception
This article is likely designed to evoke strong emotions from boxing fans, fostering a sense of urgency and excitement. By emphasizing the bitter feud and the dramatic history, it attempts to position the upcoming fight as a must-watch event, potentially increasing viewership and attendance.
Concealed Narratives
While the article focuses on the rivalry, it may obscure broader issues within the sport, such as doping controversies or the impact of social media on public perception of athletes. There’s a chance that the sensationalism surrounding the fight could overshadow discussions about athlete health and the integrity of the sport.
Manipulative Aspects
The language used suggests a high level of emotional manipulation, especially with phrases like "revenge" and "one-sided beat-down." This rhetoric can create a polarized view of the fighters, painting one as the villain and the other as the innocent hero, which may not fully reflect the complexities of their situations.
Truthfulness of the Content
The factual elements regarding the fight's cancellation and the history of the fighters are accurate. However, the framing and emotional language could lead to a subjective interpretation of the events, making the article more about narrative than strict journalism.
Cultural Impact
The anticipation of the fight and its historical context contribute to a narrative that resonates with boxing fans and the general public. It taps into nostalgia for the original Benn-Eubank rivalry, potentially influencing public interest and engagement with the sport.
Audience Engagement
This article likely appeals to boxing enthusiasts and sports fans, particularly those with a fondness for historical rivalries. It aims to draw in both die-hard supporters and casual viewers looking for entertainment and drama.
Economic Considerations
Given the nature of high-profile boxing matches, the article could have implications for ticket sales, pay-per-view purchases, and merchandise. Increased visibility and excitement could lead to a spike in financial activity related to the event.
Global Context
While the article primarily focuses on a sports rivalry, the themes of competition and conflict can be seen as reflective of broader societal trends. The narrative of personal battles resonates in various contexts, from sports to politics, suggesting a universal relevance.
AI Influence
This article may have undergone some AI-assisted editing, particularly in terms of language optimization and ensuring an engaging narrative flow. Any AI involvement would likely focus on enhancing readability and emotional impact, aligning the content with audience expectations.
The elements of drama and rivalry are central to the article, potentially leading to a perception that enhances the sport's appeal while simultaneously masking underlying issues. The focus on personal stories and historical context serves to heighten the stakes of the upcoming fight, ultimately shaping how the public perceives both the event and the athletes involved.