Chris Eubank Jr's long-awaited fight with Conor Benn is close to the finish line, with a 'stadium blockbuster waiting' in April, promoter Eddie Hearn says.
The bitter rivals have been locked in talks in recent weeks, but Hearn, who represents Benn, believes a deal could finally be reached in the coming days.
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has reportedly been targeted as a venue, although the venue is yet to be confirmed and a date of 26 April has been announced.
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Ben Shalom admits the creation of Eubank Jr vs. Benn is a real headache, but he hopes a solution is close
“I think we either do it this week or we don't,” Hearn told Sky Sports. “His Excellency (Turki Al-Sheikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Authority for Entertainment) has made it clear that this is a fight he wants to see and want to be involved in, which helps because it allows him to sit in the middle and negotiate with both sides.
“If I had negotiated with Eubank, I don't think there would have been a fight, to be honest. Luckily, I didn't.
“We're getting closer to the goal. It's not over yet, but we're expecting a stadium blockbuster, hopefully in April.”
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Eubank Jr says he was like Santa with his offer to Benn, while Eddie Hearn hopes a compromise can be made
Hearn added: “If everyone was sane, I'd be 100 per cent (confident the fight would happen). But this is boxing, and nobody's sane. Watch this space.”
Jubank's fight against Benn in October 2022 was canceled when his opponent tested positive for the banned substance clomiphene.
Benn's license was revoked by the British Boxing Board of Control, but the suspensions were lifted this November after the National Anti-Doping Commission said they were “not satisfied” the 28-year-old had committed a doping offence.
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Eubank Jr says his clash against Benn will be “wild” and admits the history behind their rivalry means there is so much at stake
Benn's layoff paved the way for Eubank Jr. and Benn, sons of great British rivals Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn, to reignite their rivalry in the ring.