In a thrilling development for boxing fans, Eddie Hearn is hopeful of orchestrating a bout between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn, potentially set for the first quarter of 2025. Despite past hurdles, Matchroom’s prominent promoter remains determined to stage this eagerly anticipated fight, which promises to be a major event in the boxing calendar.

Eubank Jr’s Pursuit of Financial Success

Chris Eubank Jr has made no secret of his desire to secure a high-profile bout against Conor Benn, largely driven by the substantial financial rewards it would bring. Eddie Hearn, who has been instrumental in facilitating major boxing events, acknowledged Eubank Jr’s primary motivation. “Chris Eubank Jr has got one thing on his mind, it starts with ‘m’, ends with ‘y’, and it’s got ‘one’ in the middle. It’s spelled ‘money,’ it’s all he cares about. He ain’t bothered about legacy, he ain’t bothered about championships, he wants the monies,” Hearn remarked.

Hearn’s comments underline the financial stakes involved in this potential matchup. Eubank Jr’s pursuit of a lucrative fight aligns with his career aspirations, and Benn appears to be the ideal opponent to fulfil these ambitions. Hearn is optimistic that the bout could materialise in early 2025, promising a significant payday for both fighters.

Conor Benn’s Legal and Career Status

Conor Benn’s current situation adds a layer of complexity to the proposed fight. He is reportedly navigating legal issues that could impact his readiness for an immediate return to the ring. Hearn noted, “Same as. We’re waiting on a decision, he’s dealing with things with his lawyers. He will be ready to fight hopefully at the end of this year, but without doubt in early 2025 and he’s ready to go straight into that Chris Eubank fight, for the monies.”

Benn’s readiness to take on Eubank Jr hinges on the resolution of these legal matters. However, both fighters and their teams are keen to ensure that the bout happens, provided that Benn is cleared and prepared for the high-profile match.

Potential for Billy Joe Saunders’ Return

In addition to the potential Eubank Jr vs Benn clash, Eddie Hearn has also addressed the possibility of a bout involving Billy Joe Saunders. Eubank Jr has previously expressed interest in fighting Saunders, a former world champion who has been inactive for an extended period. Hearn is cautiously optimistic about Saunders’ return, stating, “I hope so. Billy Joe is a tremendous fighter, but every day that passes is a day that makes it less likely.”

Hearn acknowledged the challenges in arranging a fight for Saunders, citing concerns about his preparation and commitment. “It’s a long time out of the ring but the biggest problem for Billy is — it’s a double-edged sword — he’ll want to say ‘well give me a date and give me a plan’ and we will want to say or someone else will say ‘well you got to show us that you’re eight or nine weeks away’ because I don’t want to book the venue, book everything, and you pull up in training.”

Hearn’s insight reflects the complexities of coordinating high-stakes bouts, particularly when dealing with fighters who have been out of the ring for significant periods. Saunders’ potential return is an exciting prospect, but it will depend on his ability to commit to a structured training regimen and demonstrate his readiness for competition.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As 2025 approaches, the boxing world eagerly anticipates the potential showdown between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn. Both fighters bring significant drawing power and skill to the table, making this a highly anticipated event. Eddie Hearn’s efforts to make this fight happen, alongside his strategic management of the sport’s other major talents, highlight the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of boxing.

With ongoing legal issues and training commitments to navigate, the finalisation of this bout remains a work in progress. However, the excitement surrounding Eubank Jr vs Benn underscores the enduring allure of high-profile boxing matches and the significant impact they can have on the sport.