Boxing Rivals Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn Clash at Saudi Hotel

British boxing rivals Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn engaged in a heated altercation at the fight hotel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The incident, which took place at the Hilton hotel, saw the two athletes exchange verbal insults in full view of hotel guests and officials.

According to reports, Eubank Jr had just completed his weigh-in for his upcoming middleweight match against Kamil Szeremeta. This bout is scheduled for the undercard of the main event featuring Artur Beterbiev versus Dmitry Bivol, competing for the undisputed light-heavyweight title.

Tensions escalated when Benn confronted Eubank Jr in the hotel lobby, shouting, “Don’t mess up the deal,” implying that negotiations for a future fight between them may be nearing conclusion. A physical altercation was narrowly avoided as their teams intervened to separate the pair after Benn appeared to push Eubank Jr.

Conor Benn, a welterweight fighter, remains under temporary suspension by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) following adverse findings in two drug tests conducted in 2022. These findings included traces of clomiphene, a fertility drug noted for its performance-enhancing capabilities.

Benn’s planned fight against Eubank Jr in October 2022 in London was consequently canceled. Although his suspension was once lifted, it was reinstated after an appeal by UKAD and BBBofC. Benn’s case is yet to be resolved, and he has not been officially sanctioned with a doping ban.

Despite the ongoing investigations, Benn has managed to secure a third-place ranking with the International Boxing Federation (IBF) in the welterweight category. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, expressed optimism about Benn’s return to the ring, indicating that news on the matter could emerge soon.

Meanwhile, Chris Eubank Jr, who expressed interest in competing with Benn regardless of past events, continues to vie for opportunities in the boxing arena. Most recently, he has split matches with competitor Liam Smith and is set to face Kamil Szeremeta in Riyadh.

Eubank Jr recently drew attention during a promotional event by criticizing various boxing promoters, including those associated with his previous postponed fight against Benn, though he later retracted these statements. The ongoing verbal exchanges between Eubank Jr and Benn underscore the longstanding rivalry between the two athletes, drawing further attention to a potential future boxing showdown.