Chris Eubank Jr. Calls Out Conor Benn Over Doping Allegations: “I will never shake your hand”

Boxing has always been a sport of intense rivalries, but few are as personal and deep-rooted as the feud between Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn. Stemming from a long-standing history between their fathers—British boxing legends Chris Eubank Sr. and Nigel Benn—this new generation rivalry has been amplified by controversy, trash talk, and doping allegations that have shaken the sport to its core.

In a recent Facebook post, Chris Eubank Jr. reignited tensions by taking a direct jab at Conor Benn, referencing Benn’s past doping controversy and making a stern statement to young fans. Eubank Jr.’s post read:

“Kids, if you ever use drugs, you will lose all your credibility, your respect & you will shame your family name. AND just like Conor Benn… I will never shake your hand.”

This bold statement has sent shockwaves through the boxing world and added even more fuel to the fire ahead of their highly anticipated fight. But this feud isn’t just about a fight—it’s about legacies, reputations, and the broader issue of doping in boxing.

A Legacy Rivalry: The Eubank and Benn Families

To understand the animosity between Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn, we must first look at the rivalry between their fathers. Chris Eubank Sr. and Nigel Benn were two of the most iconic British boxers of the 1990s. Their clashes in the ring were legendary, with their first bout in 1990 ending in a TKO victory for Eubank Sr. and their rematch in 1993 resulting in a dramatic draw.

The rivalry was fierce, but it was rooted in mutual respect. Both men were warriors who left everything in the ring, and their battles captivated boxing fans across the UK and beyond. Fast forward three decades, and their sons are now carrying the torch—though their relationship seems far more personal and acrimonious.

Conor Benn’s Doping Allegations and the Fallout

The bad blood between Eubank Jr. and Benn escalated in October 2022 when their scheduled fight was abruptly canceled after Conor Benn tested positive for clomifene, a banned substance. Clomifene is typically used to treat infertility in women but can also enhance testosterone levels in men—making it a performance-enhancing drug (PED) in the context of professional sports.

The positive test sent shockwaves through the boxing world. Benn, who had been on a rapid rise in the welterweight division, suddenly found his reputation in tatters. Critics and fans alike questioned the legitimacy of his previous victories, and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) suspended his license.

Benn, however, maintained his innocence, claiming that the positive test was the result of accidental contamination. He later attributed the failed test to the consumption of large quantities of eggs, a defense that sparked widespread skepticism and ridicule.

Chris Eubank Jr.’s Response: A Zero-Tolerance Stance

Throughout the controversy, Chris Eubank Jr. has been one of Benn’s most vocal critics. Eubank Jr., known for his no-nonsense approach and strong sense of honor, made it clear that he has zero tolerance for doping in boxing.

His recent Facebook post, where he explicitly referenced Benn and warned young fans about the dangers of drug use, is just the latest in a series of public statements condemning PEDs. By calling out Benn so directly, Eubank Jr. has positioned himself as a staunch advocate for clean sport—and as someone who refuses to let the controversy be swept under the rug.

The Rescheduled Fight: A Grudge Match with High Stakes

Despite the controversy, the demand for a Eubank Jr. vs. Benn showdown has only grown. Fans are eager to see the two settle their differences in the ring, and after months of uncertainty, the fight has been rescheduled for April 26, 2025, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.

Dubbed a “grudge match,” this bout is shaping up to be one of the biggest events in British boxing history. The financial stakes are immense, with reports indicating that Eubank Jr. will earn £10 million and Benn £7 million for the fight. But for these two fighters, it’s about more than money—it’s about pride, legacy, and redemption.

Trash Talk and Tensions: The Build-Up to the Fight

The lead-up to the rescheduled fight has been anything but cordial. At a recent press conference, tensions boiled over when Eubank Jr. smashed an egg into Benn’s face—a symbolic reference to Benn’s defense that his positive test was caused by excessive egg consumption.

The incident led to Eubank Jr. being fined £100,000, but it also underscored just how personal this rivalry has become. This is not just a sporting contest—it’s a clash between two men with genuine animosity toward each other.

In another heated moment, Eubank Jr. and Benn had to be physically separated during an interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored after a verbal exchange escalated into a near-brawl. The tension is palpable, and it’s clear that when these two finally step into the ring, it will be more than just a fight—it will be a battle for respect and redemption.

The Broader Issue: Doping in Boxing

Beyond the personal feud between Eubank Jr. and Benn, this controversy has reignited a broader conversation about doping in boxing. Performance-enhancing drugs pose a serious threat to the integrity of the sport, and the Benn case has highlighted the challenges of enforcing anti-doping regulations.

While Benn was eventually reinstated into the WBC rankings after an investigation accepted his explanation of “highly-elevated egg consumption,” many in the boxing community remain skeptical. The incident has raised questions about the effectiveness of current testing protocols and the potential loopholes that athletes can exploit.

Eubank Jr.’s Role as a Voice for Clean Sport

By taking such a strong public stance against doping, Chris Eubank Jr. has positioned himself as a voice for clean sport. His message to young fans—warning them about the consequences of drug use—is a powerful reminder of the values that should underpin boxing: honor, integrity, and respect.

In a sport where scandals and controversies are all too common, Eubank Jr.’s unwavering stance is refreshing. Whether or not you agree with his methods, there’s no denying that he’s shining a spotlight on an issue that boxing cannot afford to ignore.

What’s Next for Eubank Jr. and Benn?

As the April 2025 fight date approaches, the stakes couldn’t be higher for Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn. For Benn, this is a chance to clear his name, silence his critics, and prove that he belongs at the top of the sport. For Eubank Jr., it’s an opportunity to back up his words with actions and deliver a decisive victory over his rival.

No matter the outcome, one thing is certain: this fight will be remembered as more than just a boxing match. It’s a battle for legacy, respect, and the soul of the sport itself.

Final Thoughts: Can the Eubank-Benn Rivalry End in Respect?

The rivalry between Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn is one of the most intense and personal feuds in boxing today. Rooted in family history and fueled by controversy, it has captivated fans and reignited debates about doping, integrity, and the values that define the sport.

As fight night approaches, the world will be watching to see how this epic grudge match unfolds. Will Eubank Jr.’s message about clean sport resonate, or will Benn find redemption and prove his doubters wrong? One thing is for sure—this is a fight that no boxing fan will want to miss.

What do you think? Can Conor Benn redeem himself, or will Chris Eubank Jr. emerge victorious and deliver a decisive message about clean sport?