The tension surrounding the upcoming grudge match between Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr has reached boiling point after Don Charles, one of British boxing’s most outspoken trainers, launched a blistering verbal attack on Benn just weeks before the highly anticipated showdown. In a fiery interview with Sky Sports Boxing on April 8, 2025, Charles, the trainer of heavyweight star Daniel Dubois, didn’t hold back, slamming Benn’s chances and delivering a brutal prediction: “Jr will fuck you.” The explosive comments have ignited a firestorm of controversy, adding fuel to an already heated rivalry as the fighters prepare to clash on April 26, 2025, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.

A Rivalry Steeped in History

The Eubank Jr vs. Conor Benn fight, dubbed Fatal Fury, is set to reignite one of British boxing’s most storied rivalries, which began in the 1990s when Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn—Conor’s father—fought in two legendary bouts. The sons were originally scheduled to face off in October 2022 at The O2 Arena, but the fight was canceled after Benn tested positive for the banned substance clomifene, resulting in a two-year suspension that was lifted in November 2024 by the National Anti-Doping Panel. The rescheduled bout at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, set for 160 pounds with a rehydration clause limiting both fighters to 170 pounds on fight night, has already sold out its 60,000 reserved seats and is expected to draw a massive global audience on Sky Sports Box Office and DAZN PPV.

Both fighters have been vocal in the lead-up to the event, with Eubank Jr (35-3, 24 KOs) promising to “end the Benn legacy” and Benn (23-0, 15 KOs) vowing to “prove the doubters wrong” after his doping controversy. The bad blood between the two camps has been palpable, with press conferences marked by heated exchanges and personal jabs. However, Don Charles’ latest comments have taken the trash talk to a new level, putting Benn on notice in the most brutal way possible.

Don Charles’ Scathing Attack

Don Charles, known for his no-nonsense approach and fiery personality, made his feelings clear during an interview on Sky Sports Boxing’s The Gloves Are Off segment, which aired at 8:00 PM BST on April 8, 2025. Charles, who has guided Daniel Dubois to the IBF heavyweight title with a knockout win over Anthony Joshua in September 2024, was asked for his prediction on the Eubank Jr vs. Benn fight. His response was as blunt as it was shocking.

“Conor Benn doesn’t stand a chance,” Charles said, his voice dripping with disdain. “He’s stepping up two weight classes to fight a natural middleweight who’s been in the game for years. Eubank Jr is going to destroy him. Jr will fuck you, Conor—mark my words. You’re not ready for this level of competition. You’re still a kid playing a man’s game.” The camera captured Charles smirking as he delivered the line, prompting gasps from the studio audience and a stunned reaction from host Johnny Nelson.

Charles didn’t stop there. He went on to question Benn’s legitimacy as a contender, referencing the 2022 doping scandal that derailed the original fight. “Let’s not forget why this fight didn’t happen in 2022,” Charles said. “Conor got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. He’s been cleared now, sure, but there’s still a cloud over him. Eubank Jr doesn’t have those question marks. He’s a proven fighter, and he’s going to show the world that Benn doesn’t belong in the same ring as him.”

Conor Benn Fires Back

Conor Benn, who was training in Mallorca when Charles’ comments aired, wasted no time responding. In a video posted to his Instagram account at 10:30 PM BST on April 8, 2025, Benn unleashed a furious rebuttal, his face flushed with anger. “Don Charles needs to keep my name out of his mouth,” Benn said, pointing directly at the camera. “Who the hell does he think he is? He’s not in my camp, he’s not in this fight, and he doesn’t know what I’m capable of. I’m coming for Eubank Jr, and I’ll deal with anyone else who wants to talk smack. Don Charles can sit there and watch me prove him wrong on April 26.”

Benn’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, also weighed in, speaking to Boxing News on April 9, 2025. “Don Charles is out of line,” Hearn said. “Conor has been through enough scrutiny over the last two years, and he’s come out the other side stronger than ever. He’s in the best shape of his career, and he’s ready to shut everyone up. Charles can say what he wants, but he’ll be eating his words when Conor gets his hand raised.” Hearn also hinted at potential legal action, adding, “We’re looking into whether those comments cross a line. You can’t just go on national TV and say things like that without consequences.”

Eubank Jr and His Camp Respond

Chris Eubank Jr, who has been training in Las Vegas under the guidance of his new coach Brian “BoMac” McIntyre, appeared unfazed by the controversy when asked about Charles’ comments during a Zoom press call on April 9, 2025. “Don Charles is speaking facts,” Eubank Jr said with a smirk. “I’m going to do exactly what he said—I’m going to fuck Conor Benn up. I’ve been waiting for this moment for years, and nothing’s going to stop me. Conor can talk all he wants, but he’s in for a rude awakening on April 26.”

Eubank Jr’s father, Chris Eubank Sr, who has been vocal about his concerns regarding the fight, also commented on the situation in an interview with The Sun on April 9, 2025. While Eubank Sr has previously called for the fight to be canceled due to the rehydration clause and Benn’s doping history, he seemed to align with Charles’ prediction. “Don Charles is a man who knows boxing,” Eubank Sr said. “He sees what I see—Conor Benn is not on my son’s level. But I still don’t want this fight to happen. It’s too dangerous for both fighters, and the history between our families makes it too personal.”

The Boxing Community Weighs In

Charles’ comments have sparked a fierce debate within the boxing community, with fans and pundits taking sides on social media. On X, the hashtag #BennVsEubankDrama trended worldwide, amassing over 150,000 mentions by the morning of April 9, 2025. Some fans agreed with Charles’ assessment, with one user writing, “Don Charles is spot on. Benn’s biting off more than he can chew. Eubank Jr is going to knock him out cold.” Others defended Benn, with another user commenting, “Charles is just trying to get under Conor’s skin. Benn’s been through hell and back—he’s going to prove everyone wrong.”

Prominent figures in the sport also chimed in. Former welterweight champion Kell Brook, speaking on TalkSPORT, backed Charles’ prediction. “I’ve sparred with both guys, and Eubank Jr is a different beast,” Brook said. “Conor’s got heart, but he’s moving up too far in weight. I think Don’s right—Eubank Jr is going to dominate.” Meanwhile, boxing analyst Dan Rafael offered a more balanced view on his podcast, The Fight Freaks Unite Recap, saying, “Don Charles is stirring the pot, but he’s not entirely wrong. Benn’s taking a huge risk stepping up to 160 pounds. That said, Conor’s got the speed and power to make this a fight. It’s going to be closer than people think.”

Promoters and the BBBofC Address the Controversy

The promoters of the event, Matchroom Boxing and Wasserman Boxing, issued a statement on April 9, 2025, addressing the controversy sparked by Charles’ comments. “We’re aware of the remarks made by Don Charles, and while we respect his right to an opinion, we believe this fight will be a competitive and thrilling spectacle,” the statement read. “Both fighters are in peak condition, and we’re confident that Fatal Fury will deliver for the fans on April 26.” The statement also confirmed that the event is on track to break pay-per-view records in the UK, with early projections estimating over 1 million buys.

The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) also responded, with general secretary Robert Smith telling The Guardian, “We’re monitoring the situation closely. Don Charles’ comments are inflammatory, but they don’t affect the status of the fight. Both fighters have passed all medical and regulatory checks, and we expect a safe and fair contest.” Smith also noted that the BBBofC has received complaints about Charles’ language, and they are “considering whether any disciplinary action is warranted.”

A Fight Fueled by Bad Blood

The Eubank Jr vs. Benn fight was already one of the most emotionally charged matchups in recent boxing history, but Don Charles’ comments have added a new layer of intensity. For Eubank Jr, a win would cement his legacy as one of Britain’s top middleweights and potentially set up a world title shot against WBA champion Erislandy Lara. For Benn, who is stepping up two weight classes from welterweight, a victory would be a career-defining moment, silencing his critics and proving he belongs among the elite after his doping scandal.

As the countdown to April 26 continues, the boxing world is buzzing with anticipation—and controversy. Don Charles’ brutal prediction has put Conor Benn on notice, but it remains to be seen whether his words will light a fire under the young fighter or prove prophetic in the ring. One thing is certain: when Eubank Jr and Benn step into the squared circle at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the eyes of the world will be watching, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.