Featured Image Credit: The Ariel Helwani Show/Getty
Topics: Eddie Hearn, Conor Benn, Chris Eubank Jr, Boxing
Nasir Jabbar
Topics: Eddie Hearn, Conor Benn, Chris Eubank Jr, Boxing
Eddie Hearn has dropped a bombshell claim about Chris Eubank Jr. just days before his rematch against Conor Benn.
Eubank Jr. and Benn run it back on Saturday following their instant classic last April.
The two British stars went to war at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with 'Next Gen' securing a unanimous decision victory.
Chris Eubank Sr. made a stunning appearance at the all-British showdown and clashed with Simon Jordan ahead of his son's rematch.
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Benn, meanwhile, will be looking to exact revenge, having suffered the first defeat of his professional career.
Eubank Jr. will be aiming for another win over his rival before potentially challenging for world honours.
But Hearn, who promotes Benn, insists Eubank Jr.'s fight on Saturday will be the last of his illustrious career.
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The Matchroom chief 'truly believes' the 36-year-old will walk away from boxing after his fight against Benn.
Speaking to iFL TV, Hearn said: "I truly believe that this will be Chris Eubank Jr.'s last fight on Saturday. I think he's had a lot of tough nights. I know that there's a lot of people in his team that want him to retire.
"And don't get me wrong, he'll fight with all his heart on Saturday because he's a proud man. But I think this is going to start getting really, really tough. And it was tough last time and it will be tougher this time."
He added: "I wish them both the best. Genuinely wish both fighters including Mr. Eubank the best in this fight. They're both hard as nails, tough as old boots. We're going to get another great fight and may the best man win."
Before Eubank Jr.'s fight against Benn, Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh had floated the idea of the winner facing Canelo Alvarez.
Canelo vs. Eubank Jr. could still happen despite the Mexican superstar surrendering his super-middleweight world titles to Terence Crawford.
But he could also pursue a shot at one of the world middleweight titles, with Erislandy Lara, Carlos Adames and Janibek Alimkhanuly currently in possession of the belts at 160lbs.
However, if BOXXER promoter Ben Shalom fails to strike a deal with either Lara, Adames or Alimkhanuly, then Eubank Jr. could look to call time on his career given he has already fought the best the domestic scene has to offer, including Liam Smith and, of course, Benn.
So, Hearn's retirement claim isn't a completely wild take given the stage of the star boxer's career.