The boxing world is ablaze with controversy as the April 26, 2025, showdown between Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London approaches. In a fiery interview on April 18, 2025, Ben Shalom, promoter for Eubank Jr., launched a vicious verbal assault on Benn, calling him a “pussy” and accusing him of dodging accountability for past controversies. Shalom’s heated remarks, aired on Sky Sports Boxing, have escalated an already intense rivalry, sending shockwaves through the sport and hyping up the “Fatal Fury” fight to unprecedented levels. Here’s the full story of Shalom’s explosive comments and the chaos they’ve unleashed.

Shalom’s Vicious Attack: “You Are a Pussy!”

Ben Shalom, the CEO of BOXXER and Eubank Jr.’s promoter, held nothing back during his interview with Sky Sports Boxing, delivering a blistering takedown of Conor Benn (23-0, 14 KOs). “Conor Benn—you are a pussy!” Shalom declared, his voice seething with contempt. “You talk a big game, but when it comes to facing the truth, you run and hide. You failed two drug tests, and instead of owning it, you blame eggs? That’s pathetic—it’s a disgrace to boxing, and Chris is going to make you pay for it in the ring!”

Shalom’s outburst references Benn’s failed Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) tests for clomifene in 2022, which derailed their first scheduled fight in October of that year. Although Benn’s provisional suspension was lifted by the National Anti-Doping Panel (NADP) in November 2024, with the panel stating they were “not comfortably satisfied” that UKAD had proved a doping offense, the controversy remains a sore spot. Shalom, who has long criticized Benn’s return to the ring amid ongoing appeals, doubled down, saying, “He’s never fully cleared his name—failing two tests and then acting like a victim is cowardly. Conor’s a fraud, and Chris will expose him on April 26.”

A Rivalry Rooted in Bad Blood

The Eubank Jr. vs. Benn feud has been simmering for years, fueled by the historic rivalry between their fathers, Chris Eubank Sr. and Nigel Benn, who clashed in iconic bouts in the 1990s. Tensions exploded earlier this year during a February 2025 press conference in Manchester, where Eubank Jr. smashed an egg into Benn’s face—a jab at Benn’s claim that “highly elevated consumption of eggs” caused his positive tests. The stunt led to chaos, with Benn’s promoter Eddie Hearn shoving Shalom on stage, an incident Shalom still demands an apology for. “Eddie put his hands on me—he needs to man up and apologize,” Shalom reiterated in the interview.

The egg incident wasn’t the only flashpoint. At the final press conference on February 27, 2025, Benn playfully lunged at Shalom on the Tottenham pitch, forcing the promoter to flinch before both laughed it off with Hearn. But Shalom’s latest comments show the gloves are off, with the promoter taking aim at Benn’s character. “Conor can play the clown all he wants, but this isn’t a joke,” Shalom said. “He’s stepping into the ring with a real fighter—Chris isn’t here for games.”

Shalom’s Confidence in Eubank Jr.: “Chris Will Crush Him”

Shalom used the interview to rally behind Chris Eubank Jr. (34-3, 25 KOs), predicting a brutal victory over Benn. “Chris is going to crush him—Conor won’t know what hit him,” Shalom stated with unwavering confidence. “Chris has the experience, the power, and the heart to shut Conor up for good. This isn’t just a fight—it’s a statement.” Shalom highlighted Eubank Jr.’s concessions during negotiations, noting that he accepted a 55-45 purse split in Benn’s favor despite being the bigger draw, a move Shalom called “a sign of his confidence.”

Shalom also addressed the financial stakes, admitting, “Money’s always a factor with Chris, but this fight is personal. He wants to win, and he’ll have no problem beating Conor Benn.” He emphasized Eubank Jr.’s preparation, saying, “Chris has been training like a beast—he’s ready to give the fans a night they’ll never forget.”

The Fight Under Fire: A Controversial Catchweight

The Eubank Jr. vs. Benn fight has been mired in controversy, particularly over the catchweight of 157 pounds, which requires Eubank Jr. to drop from his usual 160 pounds and Benn to move up from welterweight (147 pounds). Chris Eubank Sr. has called the weight cut “dangerous” and a “disgrace,” warning of health risks for both fighters. Shalom, while acknowledging the concerns, defended the matchup, saying, “Chris agreed to the weight because he knows he can handle it—he’s a professional. Conor’s the one who should be worried.”

Eddie Hearn, Benn’s promoter, has predicted a quick knockout, claiming Benn will stop Eubank Jr. in four rounds due to his “dedication and skill.” Shalom scoffed at the prediction, calling it “pure fantasy.” “Eddie’s dreaming if he thinks Conor’s stopping Chris in four,” Shalom fired back. “Chris is on another level—Conor’s in for a rude awakening.”

Reactions: A Divided Boxing Community

Shalom’s comments have sparked a firestorm on social media, with fans and fighters taking sides. On X, the hashtag #EubankBenn exploded with reactions, ranging from support for Shalom—“Ben Shalom just said what we’re all thinking—Benn’s a coward!”—to defense of Benn—“Shalom’s desperate—Conor’s going to knock Eubank Jr. out!” Harlem Eubank, Chris’s cousin, backed Shalom’s confidence, stating that Eubank Jr.’s “boxing IQ and mental toughness” will overwhelm Benn. Meanwhile, Tony Bellew, a Benn supporter, called Shalom’s remarks “classless,” insisting Benn’s focus will lead to victory.

The controversy has only heightened anticipation for the fight, with Tottenham Hotspur Stadium expected to be packed and DAZN projecting record-breaking pay-per-view numbers. The drama has also reignited debates about Benn’s past, with some fans questioning his integrity while others argue he deserves a clean slate after the NADP ruling.

Ben Shalom’s explosive interview, branding Conor Benn a “pussy” and reigniting the doping controversy, has turned the Eubank Jr. vs. Benn fight into a full-blown war of words and wills. As the April 26, 2025, “Fatal Fury” showdown looms, Shalom’s fierce defense of Eubank Jr. and his scathing criticism of Benn have set the stage for a night of reckoning at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Will Benn rise above the insults and deliver a knockout, or will Eubank Jr. make good on Shalom’s promise to “crush” him? One thing is certain: this fight is now about more than just belts—it’s about pride, redemption, and proving a point. Tune in to DAZN to witness one of the most explosive nights in boxing history!