The boxing world is reeling after Conor Benn dropped a bombshell accusation against Chris Eubank Jr, claiming the middleweight star cheated during their recent grudge match by bribing referees. Benn, 28, made the explosive allegations just two days after his unanimous decision loss to Eubank Jr on April 26, 2025, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, releasing what he calls “irrefutable evidence” to support his claims.

The Fight and the Fallout

The highly publicized bout saw Eubank Jr, 35, outpoint Benn with scores of 116-112 across all three judges, handing Benn his first professional defeat. The fight, already marred by weight issues—Eubank Jr missed the 160-pound middleweight limit by 0.05 pounds, incurring a £375,000 fine—was a tense affair, with both fighters trading heavy blows over 12 rounds. However, Benn’s post-fight comments have shifted the focus from the ring to a much darker controversy.

In a fiery press conference on April 28, Benn accused Eubank Jr of manipulating the fight’s outcome by bribing the officiating team. “He’s a cheater, plain and simple,” Benn declared, his voice shaking with anger. “I’ve got proof that Eubank Jr and his team paid off the referees to ensure the scorecards went his way. This wasn’t a fair fight—it was a setup.”

The Alleged Evidence

Benn presented what he claims is damning evidence: a series of leaked audio recordings and text messages purportedly involving members of Eubank Jr’s team and an unnamed referee. In one audio clip, a voice Benn identifies as belonging to a member of Eubank Jr’s camp can be heard saying, “Make sure the scores reflect the deal—we’re good for the payment.” Another text message, allegedly sent to a referee, reads, “£50k for you if the cards lean our way. No one will know.”

Benn’s team has handed the evidence over to the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) and the World Boxing Association (WBA), demanding a full investigation. “This isn’t about me being a sore loser,” Benn insisted. “This is about the integrity of the sport. If we let people buy wins, what’s the point of stepping into the ring?”

Eubank Jr’s Response

Eubank Jr, who has been celebrating his victory and even received praise from his father, Chris Eubank Sr, after the fight, quickly dismissed the allegations as “desperate lies.” In a statement released on X, Eubank Jr wrote, “Conor Benn can’t handle losing, so he’s making up stories to save face. I won that fight fair and square—everyone in the stadium saw it. These so-called ‘recordings’ are fabricated. I’m ready to clear my name.”

Eubank Jr’s team has also threatened legal action against Benn for defamation, calling the accusations “baseless and damaging.” A spokesperson for Eubank Jr added, “We welcome any investigation because we know there’s nothing to find. Chris won because he was the better fighter, not because of some conspiracy.”

The Boxing Community Reacts

The allegations have sparked a firestorm in the boxing world, with fighters, promoters, and fans taking sides. Former champion Carl Frampton, who recently criticized Eubank Jr for his weight issues, weighed in on Boxing Social, saying, “If these allegations are true, it’s a massive stain on the sport. But we need to see the full evidence and let the authorities handle it. Right now, it’s Conor’s word against Chris’s.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn, who represents Benn, backed his fighter’s claims, stating, “Conor has shown me the evidence, and it’s very concerning. We’re pushing for a thorough investigation, and if Eubank Jr is guilty, the fight result should be overturned, and he should be banned.” Meanwhile, some fans on X have accused Benn of sour grapes, with one user posting, “Benn got outboxed and now he’s crying foul. He needs to take the loss like a man.”

What’s Next?

The BBBofC has confirmed it will launch an investigation into Benn’s claims, with a hearing scheduled for early May 2025. If the allegations are substantiated, Eubank Jr could face severe consequences, including the nullification of his victory, a suspension, or even a lifetime ban from the sport. On the other hand, if the evidence is deemed insufficient or fabricated, Benn could face penalties for making false accusations.

This scandal comes at a critical time for both fighters. Eubank Jr, now 34-3, was eyeing a world title shot following his win, while Benn, now 23-1, was looking to rebound from his first loss. The outcome of this investigation could have far-reaching implications for their careers and the sport as a whole.

As the boxing world awaits the results of the investigation, one thing is clear: the rivalry between Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr has taken a bitter turn, and the fallout from this controversy may be felt for years to come.