Conor Benn vs Chris Eubank Jr grudge fight plan leaves Liam Smith ‘in limbo’ over rematch

Conor Benn could return to the ring later this year with his intense rivalry with Chris Eubank Jr re-ignited for a keenly anticipated contest.

The ‘born rivals’ were set to meet on October 8 last year to mark 30 years after their fathers went head-to-head in a blockbuster rematch. The idea was a huge hit with boxing fans selling out the O2 in London and pay-per-view sales were also expected to be high.

Eubank Jr was set to fight at a career low weight at a 157lbs catchweight having fought as high as 168lb in the past. His father Chris Eubank Sr raised concerns about the weight loss and accused promoters of trying to murder his son.

READ MORE: Liam Smith hits back at Chris Eubank Jr’s Valentine’s message with confident response

Benn was putting his unbeaten record of 21 victories on the line fighting 10lb heavier than his previous bouts.

However, the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) called off the fight after ‘The Destroyer’ Benn returned two positive drug tests for the banned substance clomifene. The Sun Sport claims that the fight is close to being re-arranged for June 3 in Abu Dhabi, delayed until then as Benn is yet to be cleared by the BBBoC following his positive tests.

The World Boxing Council have since cleared Benn of any wrongdoing, citing a “highly-elevated consumption of eggs” as an explanation for clomifene being in his system. Benn refuted the WBC’s reasoning for his failed tests and is unhappy with the organisation’s verdict.

“I’m pleased that the WBC have finally cleared my name, with no sanction or ban of any kind and a reinstatement in the world rankings. I can now put this behind me and resume my career immediately,” Benn said in a statement. “Whilst I welcome the ultimate outcome, I do not agree with everything said in the WBC’s statement. That’s something I am discussing further in my legal team.”

Since their cancelled fight last year Eubank Jr lost his unbeaten professional record and was stopped inside four rounds after being knocked to the canvas by Liam Smith. Next Gen was shocked by the defeat and triggered the re-match clause in their fight contract – announcing the decision to his rival in a Valentine’s Day message.

Smith has now been left in limbo by the rumoured Benn v Eubank fight. He told the Sun: “One side is saying Chris (Eubank Jr) has activated his rematch clause. But the other side is saying he is fighting Benn in Abu Dhabi.

“I bet as much money he wants, if he does fight Chris next, he will not do him quicker than I did him.”

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