The boxing world is ablaze with controversy as renowned trainer Don Charles has launched a blistering attack on Conor Benn, branding him a “disgrace” and a “cheater” just weeks before his blockbuster showdown with Chris Eubank Jr. In an explosive interview on TalkSport Radio this morning, Charles, a respected figure in British boxing who has trained heavyweight stars like Daniel Dubois and Derek Chisora, didn’t hold back, reigniting the debate over Benn’s 2022 drug scandal. With the highly anticipated Eubank Jr. vs. Benn fight set for April 26 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Charles’ scathing remarks have added fuel to an already fiery buildup, leaving fans and pundits questioning whether Benn can handle the mounting pressure.

Don Charles Unleashes Fury

Don Charles, known for his no-nonsense approach and deep passion for the sport, appeared on TalkSport Radio on April 7, 2025, to discuss the upcoming Eubank Jr. vs. Benn clash. When the conversation turned to Benn’s controversial past, Charles erupted, delivering a brutal assessment of the 28-year-old welterweight-turned-middleweight. “Conor Benn is a disgrace to boxing,” Charles declared, his voice brimming with disdain. “He failed two drug tests in 2022, and then tried to blame it on eating too many eggs! It’s a joke—an insult to every fighter who has ever stepped into the ring clean. He’s a cheater, plain and simple, and he doesn’t deserve to be in the same ring as someone like Chris Eubank Jr.”

Charles’ comments refer to the infamous 2022 scandal that derailed the original Eubank Jr. vs. Benn fight. Benn tested positive for clomiphene—a banned substance known to boost testosterone—twice before the scheduled bout, leading the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) to cancel the event. The World Boxing Council (WBC) later controversially cleared Benn in 2023, accepting his defense of “elevated consumption of eggs” as a reasonable explanation, a decision that drew widespread ridicule. In November 2024, the National Anti-Doping Panel (NADP) lifted Benn’s suspension, stating they were “not comfortably satisfied” that UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) had proven a doping offense, allowing him to return to the ring. However, the stigma of the scandal has lingered, with many in the boxing community, including Charles, refusing to let it go.

Charles didn’t stop at the drug allegations. He also questioned Benn’s readiness for the fight, pointing to the significant weight jump from welterweight (147 pounds) to middleweight (160 pounds). “Benn’s moving up two weight classes to fight a natural middleweight in Eubank Jr.,” Charles said. “He’s not ready for this. Eubank Jr. is bigger, stronger, and more experienced. Benn’s going to get exposed on April 26—I guarantee it.”

A Rivalry Already on the Brink

The Eubank Jr. vs. Benn fight, set for April 26 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, is one of the most anticipated events in British boxing history, continuing a family rivalry that began over three decades ago when their fathers, Chris Eubank Sr. and Nigel Benn, fought in two iconic bouts in the 1990s. The sons have added their own layer of animosity, with tensions boiling over in recent months. In February 2025, Eubank Jr. slapped Benn with an egg during a press conference in Manchester—a stunt referencing the WBC’s egg consumption defense—leading to chaotic scenes and a £100,000 fine from the BBBofC, which Eubank Jr. is currently appealing. The incident prompted Nigel Benn to grab Eubank Jr. by the throat, and at a subsequent press conference, Eubank Jr. issued a chilling warning to Nigel, saying, “If your hand ever touches me again, you won’t get it back.”

The bad blood continued on Piers Morgan Uncensored last month, where Benn had to be restrained by security after Eubank Jr. made comments about Nigel Benn. Eubank Jr. has also accused Benn of “destroying his father’s legacy” with the drug scandal, even questioning whether Nigel himself cheated during his career. With emotions running high, Don Charles’ comments have only intensified the drama, putting even more pressure on Benn as he prepares for the biggest fight of his career.

Benn’s Camp Fires Back

Conor Benn (23-0, 14 KOs), who is training in Mallorca for the fight, was quick to respond to Charles’ remarks. In a fiery post on Instagram, Benn wrote, “Don Charles doesn’t know me or what I’ve been through. I’ve been cleared of any wrongdoing, and I’m here to prove myself. He can talk all he wants—I’ll do my talking in the ring on April 26.” Benn’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, also came to his defense, calling Charles’ comments “disgraceful” and “unprofessional.” In a statement to Sky Sports, Hearn said, “Conor has been through hell to clear his name. He’s been exonerated by the proper authorities, and it’s unfair for someone like Don Charles to drag this up again. Conor is focused on Eubank Jr., and he’ll show the world what he’s capable of.”

However, sources close to Benn’s camp suggest that the constant scrutiny is taking a toll. “Conor is trying to stay strong, but these attacks are relentless,” a source told The Mirror. “First Eubank Jr., now Don Charles—everyone’s coming for him. It’s a lot to handle, but he’s using it as fuel to prove his doubters wrong.”

Eubank Jr. Sees an Opportunity

Chris Eubank Jr. (34-3, 25 KOs), the current IBO middleweight champion, has remained relatively quiet in the immediate aftermath of Charles’ comments, but his team is reportedly delighted with the added pressure on Benn. “Don Charles is speaking the truth, and it’s clearly getting to Conor,” a member of Eubank Jr.’s camp told Boxing News. “Chris is in the best shape of his life, and he’s ready to capitalize on any mental weakness Benn shows. This fight is personal, and Chris is coming to make a statement.”

Eubank Jr. has been training in Brighton, focusing on maintaining his size advantage while adhering to a rehydration clause that limits both fighters to 170 pounds on fight day. The 35-year-old has a history of thriving in high-pressure situations, as seen in his 2023 stoppage win over Liam Smith and his October 2024 knockout of Kamil Szeremeta in Riyadh. A victory over Benn could set up a potential clash with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in 2026, a fight that Eubank Jr. has long coveted.

A Fight Under the Microscope

The Eubank Jr. vs. Benn showdown, billed as Fatal Fury, has already sold out reserved seating at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with over 60,000 tickets snapped up. The event, set to be broadcast live on Sky Sports Box Office and DAZN PPV, is expected to draw well over a million pay-per-view buys, according to promoter Eddie Hearn. However, the fight has been mired in controversy from the start, with the egg incident, the drug scandal, and now Don Charles’ comments adding layers of drama to an already explosive buildup.

The boxing community is divided on the outcome. Some, like former champion Amir Khan, believe Benn’s speed and aggression could overwhelm Eubank Jr., while others, including Matthew Macklin, give Eubank Jr. the edge due to his size and experience. Don Charles’ comments have only heightened the stakes, with many wondering whether Benn can handle the mental pressure of being labeled a “cheater” on such a public stage.

Will Benn Rise Above the Criticism?

As the April 26 fight date looms, Conor Benn finds himself at a crossroads. The constant reminders of his 2022 drug scandal, now amplified by Don Charles’ scathing attack, have put his mental resilience to the test. For Benn, a win over Eubank Jr. would not only settle a personal score but also silence his critics and propel him toward a world title shot, potentially against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios. For Eubank Jr., a victory would cement his status as a top middleweight and bring him one step closer to a dream fight with Canelo.

With the boxing world watching, the stage is set for a night of high drama at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Will Conor Benn prove Don Charles wrong and emerge victorious, or will the weight of the criticism—and Eubank Jr.’s fists—prove too much to handle? One thing is certain: this fight just got a whole lot hotter.