Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn is considering Wembley Stadium for the highly anticipated rematch between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn, aiming to accommodate the large number of fans expected.
Eubank and Benn are scheduled to clash in a middleweight bout on April 26 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which has a capacity of 62,000 seats.
Following a heated pre-fight press conference between the two boxers, Hearn indicated that the Tottenham venue might be too small given the overwhelming demand for tickets.
Chris Eubank Sr, Eubank Jr.’s father, famously fought Nigel Benn, Conor Benn’s father, in 1990 and again in 1993 at Old Trafford, resulting in a draw.
However, Hearn emphasized the London location for this significant fight, stating, “I feel like it’s a London fight.”
He added, “You have one fighter from Essex, one from Brighton, and Tottenham stadium is an excellent venue.”
When questioned about the possibility of Old Trafford hosting the rematch, Hearn responded with a grin, “Who knows? Wembley? Maybe.”
The initial fight between Eubank Jr and Benn was set for October 2022 at the O2 Arena but was cancelled just days before due to Benn’s failed drug tests and subsequent suspension by UK Anti-Doping.
Benn then competed in America, securing two victories in the light-middleweight division. His UKAD ban was later lifted after he won his case.
The WBC had previously suggested that Benn’s positive test for clomifene could be linked to high egg consumption.
In a pre-fight face-off, Eubank Jr mocked this by cracking an egg on Benn, which led to a physical altercation involving Hearn.
Hearn commented on the egg incident, saying, “I think he was probably more angry than he made out, to be honest with you. It’s a very personal fight.”
He further noted, “It’s going to be interesting to see how it unfolds as it gets closer and as the anticipation builds, and I’m looking forward to seeing them finally in the ring.”
Hearn admitted he wasn’t in favor of Eubank Jr.’s egg stunt, despite the massive fan interest it generated, with 130,000 people joining a virtual queue for tickets shortly after.
He explained, “I guess it’s just the new generation of viral moments that get people’s attention.”
“I’m not a fan of it, to be honest. But it’s the world we live in, and we need to be cautious.”
Hearn elaborated, “If we’re putting in so much effort in the community, trying to teach kids about right and wrong behavior, and then you have people slapping each other at press conferences…”
“For me, it’s not ideal.”
