Promoter Eddie Hearn says the long-awaited grudge battle between Chris Eubank Jr and Connor Penn is nearing the finish line and a “huge stadium turnout” is in store for April.
The arch rivals have entered into negotiations in recent weeks, but Hearn, who represents Penn, believes an agreement could finally be reached in the coming days.
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has reportedly been targeted as a venue, although the venue has not yet been confirmed, and a date of 26 April has been reported.
Please use Chrome browser for an easily accessible video player
Ben Shalom admits that making Eubank Jr v Benn a real headache but hopes a resolution will be soon
“I think we either get it done this week or we don't,” Hearn told Sky Sports. “His Excellency (Turki Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia) has made it clear that it is a fight that he wants to see and participate in, which helps, because it enables him to sit in the middle and negotiate with both sides.
“If I were negotiating with Eubank, I don't think the fight would start, if I'm honest. Fortunately I'm not.”
He added: “We are approaching the finish line. It is not done yet, but we hope that there will be a big achievement on the field in April.”
Please use Chrome browser for an easily accessible video player
Eubank Jr says he was like Santa Claus in his offer to Ben while Eddie Hearn hopes for a compromise
Hearn added: “If everyone was sane, I would be 100 percent sure (confident that the fight will happen). But this is boxing, and no one is sane. Watch this space.”
Eubank Jr's October 2022 fight with Benn was canceled when his opponent tested positive for the banned substance clomiphene.
Benn's license was removed by the British Boxing Board of Control, but the suspension was lifted last November after the National Anti-Doping Commission said it was “comfortably dissatisfied” that the 28-year-old had committed a doping offence.
Please use Chrome browser for an easily accessible video player
Eubank Jr says his showdown against Penn will be 'brutal' and admits the history behind their rivalry means there's a lot at stake
Penn's reprieve paved the way for Eubank Jr. and Penn, the sons of great British rivals Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn, to reignite their rivalry in the ring.
