The boxing world is reeling after Chris Eubank Jr. dropped a stunning bombshell on April 21, 2025, just days before his highly anticipated “Fatal Fury” clash with Conor Benn, set for April 26 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. In an explosive interview with Sky Sports Boxing, Eubank Jr. (34-3, 25 KOs) claimed that Benn (23-0, 14 KOs) is on the verge of pulling out of the fight, declaring, “He will pull out!” The shocking accusation has thrown the already fiery rivalry into chaos, raising questions about whether the long-awaited showdown will even happen. Here’s the full story of Eubank Jr.’s jaw-dropping claim and the frenzy it has unleashed.

Eubank Jr.’s Bombshell: “He Will Pull Out!”

During his Sky Sports Boxing interview on April 21, 2025, Chris Eubank Jr. didn’t hold back, accusing Conor Benn of being on the brink of withdrawing from their scheduled fight. “He will pull out—I can feel it,” Eubank Jr. stated with a steely gaze. “Conor’s been talking a big game, but when it comes down to it, he knows he can’t handle me. He’s looking for a way out, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he bails at the last minute.” The accusation comes amidst an already tense buildup, marked by a February 2025 press conference in Manchester where Eubank Jr. smashed an egg into Benn’s face, mocking Benn’s past doping scandal—a moment that set the tone for their bitter rivalry. 

Eubank Jr.’s claim follows weeks of escalating tension, including a recent interview on April 18 where his promoter, Ben Shalom, branded Benn a “pussy” and questioned his integrity over the 2022 clomifene doping controversy. While Benn’s provisional suspension was lifted by the National Anti-Doping Panel (NADP) in November 2024, Eubank Jr. has consistently expressed skepticism about Benn’s readiness to face him, suggesting that the pressure of the fight—and the lingering stigma of the doping saga—might be too much for Benn to handle. “He’s not built for this—he’s crumbling under the spotlight,” Eubank Jr. added. 

What’s Behind the Claim: Pressure or Mind Games?

Eubank Jr.’s accusation could stem from several factors, or it might be a calculated move to unsettle his opponent. The fight, set at a catchweight of 157 pounds, has been controversial from the start, with Eubank Jr.’s father, Chris Eubank Sr., calling the weight cut “dangerous” and a “disgrace” due to the health risks for both fighters—Eubank Jr. dropping from his usual 160 pounds and Benn moving up from welterweight (147 pounds). Rumors have swirled that Benn, who has never fought above 147 pounds, might be struggling to make the weight, potentially giving credence to Eubank Jr.’s claim. 

However, some speculate that Eubank Jr.’s statement is a psychological tactic, designed to provoke Benn into a reckless response. The two have been trading barbs for months, with Benn recently accusing Eubank Jr. of refusing to fight in a Sky Sports interview on April 21, saying, “He won’t fight me!” Eubank Jr.’s counterclaim that Benn will pull out flips the narrative, escalating their war of words to new heights. “I’m ready to go—I’ve been ready,” Eubank Jr. insisted. “If Conor pulls out, it just proves everything I’ve been saying about him.” 

A Rivalry Steeped in History and Hostility

The Eubank Jr. vs. Benn fight is a continuation of a historic family rivalry, with their fathers, Chris Eubank Sr. and Nigel Benn, having fought twice in the 1990s in iconic bouts that defined an era. The bad blood has carried over to the next generation, with tensions boiling over repeatedly during the buildup to this fight. Their first scheduled bout in October 2022 was canceled after Benn tested positive for clomifene, a banned substance, leading to his provisional suspension. Although the NADP lifted the suspension in November 2024, the controversy has continued to cast a shadow, with Eubank Jr.’s camp repeatedly questioning Benn’s legitimacy. 

The animosity reached a peak earlier this year when Eubank Jr. smashed an egg into Benn’s face at a press conference, a jab at Benn’s claim that “highly elevated consumption of eggs” caused his positive tests. The stunt led to a scuffle between promoters Eddie Hearn and Ben Shalom, and Benn later playfully lunged at Shalom during a February 27, 2025, press event on the Tottenham pitch. Eubank Jr.’s latest claim that Benn will pull out adds yet another layer of drama to an already volatile rivalry. 

The Boxing Community Reacts: Will the Fight Happen?

Eubank Jr.’s bombshell has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, with fans and analysts divided on its implications. On X, the hashtag #EubankBenn exploded with reactions, ranging from disbelief—“No way Benn pulls out, he’s been begging for this fight!”—to support for Eubank Jr.’s prediction—“Chris called it—Conor’s scared!” The uncertainty has also raised concerns among ticket holders, with Tottenham Hotspur Stadium expecting a sold-out crowd and DAZN projecting record-breaking pay-per-view numbers for the April 26 event.

Eddie Hearn, Benn’s promoter, quickly dismissed Eubank Jr.’s claim as “nonsense” in a statement to BBC Sport on April 21. “Conor is in the best shape of his life—he’s not going anywhere,” Hearn said. “This is just Chris trying to play mind games, but it won’t work.” Ben Shalom, Eubank Jr.’s promoter, doubled down on the accusation, telling The Mirror, “We’ve heard rumblings from Benn’s camp—they’re looking for excuses. Chris is ready to fight anyone, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Conor backs out.” 

The Stakes: A Fight That Could Define Careers

If the fight goes ahead, the stakes are monumental for both fighters. For Benn, a victory over Eubank Jr. would be a definitive statement, silencing critics who have questioned his integrity since the doping scandal and positioning him for a world title shot. For Eubank Jr., a win would not only settle a personal score but also cement his legacy as a top middleweight, proving he can overcome the weight cut and the psychological warfare that has defined this matchup. The fight, dubbed “Fatal Fury,” was set to be a blockbuster, continuing the legacy of their fathers’ iconic battles.

However, if Benn does pull out as Eubank Jr. predicts, it could derail his career, lending credence to the narrative that he can’t handle the pressure of big fights. Eubank Jr., meanwhile, would likely face accusations of ducking if the fight falls through, especially after Benn’s earlier claim that Eubank Jr. was the one refusing to fight. The back-and-forth has left fans on edge, with the boxing world holding its breath as the fight date approaches. 

Chris Eubank Jr.’s stunning claim on April 21, 2025, that Conor Benn “will pull out” of their April 26 fight at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has thrown the boxing world into a frenzy, adding yet another dramatic twist to their heated rivalry. Whether Eubank Jr.’s accusation is a genuine prediction or a calculated mind game, it has heightened the stakes of the “Fatal Fury” showdown, leaving fans questioning whether the fight will even take place. As both camps trade barbs and the clock ticks down, the boxing community waits anxiously for clarity. Will Benn prove Eubank Jr. wrong and step into the ring, or will this long-awaited clash fall apart at the last moment? Stay tuned—this saga is far from over!