Eddie Hearn gives shock prediction for Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn

Eddie Hearn on Eubank-Benn: "I think it will be over within six"

Promoter Eddie Hearn revealed why he believes Conor Benn will “spark out” Chris Eubank Jr when they clash in London on Saturday night, April 26, live on DAZN.

The chairman of Matchroom Boxing, who are responsible for guiding Benn’s career, Hearn is convinced his fighter possesses all the attributes required to overcome the physical advantages Eubank Jr is set to enjoy with the eagerly anticipated grudge-match set to take place in the middleweight division.

Benn, aged 28, usually competes at welterweight but has agreed to move up from 147 to 160lbs in order to make the contest. Although his last two fights have both been contested above 150lbs.

Even though a rehydration clause has been inserted into both boxer’s contracts which prevents them from entering the ring at more than 170 lbs, that has prompted many seasoned observers to claim that Eubank Jr’s greater stature means the bout is his to lose.

But Hearn disagrees, exclusively telling SportsBoom that Benn’s attitude and athleticism will make the difference.

“If it’s all about size, if it boils down to that, then Eubank Jr will win,” he said.

“But if it comes down to speed, precision and accuracy - which I believe it will - then it’s Conor all day long. There’s no doubt about it.

“He [Benn] is coming into this with so much spite, with so much speed and so much precision to his work.

”He really is a sharp-shooter and, call it delusion, grandeur or whatever else you like but I think he sparks him out inside six rounds. I really do.”

Part of two great sporting dynasties, the rivalry between Benn and Eubank Jr can be traced back to the early Nineties when their fathers - Nigel and Chris - met twice in world title fights. The first saw Chris Sr wrestle the WBO middleweight title away from his nemesis.

The second, staged three years later and for the WBC and WBO super-middleweight crowns, ended in a split decision draw.

Their sons were initially scheduled to face each other in 2022, until clomifene - a female fertility drug - were discovered in Benn’s system, forcing the battle to be shelved.

Benn has maintained his innocence ever since and submitted a dossier to the WBC which prompted the sanctioning body to state that consumption of eggs could have caused the positive test.

A suspension imposed on Benn by UKAD and the British Boxing Board of Control, was lifted last year following VADA’s findings.

However, Eubank Jr has stated throughout the build-up to this weekend’s event at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium that Benn has yet to explain how the banned substance found its way into his bloodstream and was fined £100,000 for smashing an egg on Benn’s face during a media conference in February.

“This is going to be a war,” Hearn said. “I can’t see it being anything other than that. There’s no way this is going to go the distance.

“I think it will be over within six and maybe even earlier than that. And I think Conor wins. I’m certain he does because of all the things I’ve mentioned.”