Conor Benn found himself facing off against an empty chair when Chris Eubank Jr. was absent from their scheduled meeting, a consequence of the chaotic egg-slapping incident.
Eubank Jr. caused an uproar at the press conference meant to officially announce their middleweight fight on April 26 in Tottenham.
He slapped an egg across Benn’s face, referencing Benn’s previous failed drug tests in 2022, which led to a physical altercation on stage.
This incident resulted in the cancellation of their planned interview later that evening, as Eubank Jr. left the venue.
Benn still attended, changing into a tracksuit because his expensive Dolce & Gabbana pajamas were damaged by the egg yolk.
He addressed the empty chair, stating Eubank Jr., 35, made the right choice by leaving.
Benn, 28, commented that words were no longer necessary. He implied Eubank Jr. was fortunate to not be present, suggesting a physical confrontation would have occurred.
The fathers of the two boxers have a history, with Eubank Sr. defeating Benn’s father, Nigel, in 1990 and a controversial draw in their rematch three years later.
The sons were scheduled for a 157lb catchweight fight which was ultimately cancelled shortly before the event due to Benn’s drug test controversy.
Benn had tested positive for Clomifene, a substance known to increase testosterone levels.
While Benn claimed innocence, the WBC suggested egg consumption could be a factor in the test results.
Benn’s UK Anti-Doping ban was later lifted, and he is now in the process of reapplying for his British Boxing Board of Control license, allowing him to box again.
Eubank Jr.’s egg incident was a clear reference to Benn’s past failed drug test, accusing him of being a “drug cheat.”
Benn also mentioned that defeating Eubank Jr., the son of his father’s biggest rival, would be more significant than winning a world title.
He described visualizing himself victorious, with Eubank Jr. defeated and himself standing triumphantly.
