Chris Eubank Jr. reminded Eddie Hearn that he remembers their previous bet and expects him to honor it.
Before his highly anticipated fight against Conor Benn scheduled for this Saturday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, Eubank brought up the subject with the head of Matchroom Boxing, stating he is still waiting for Hearn to follow through on a previously discussed £1 million (worth over $1.3 million) bet.
Eubank had previously responded positively to a challenge Hearn made to Eubank`s promoter Ben Shalom for a winner-take-all wager. However, Hearn later stated the British Board of Boxing Control would impose a fine if he proceeded with the bet.
Eubank brought up the topic again during a press conference on Thursday.
“I feel confident,” Eubank stated. “I still want that million-pound bet Eddie Hearn mentioned he wanted. Eddie, what’s the deal? Are we making this bet or not?”
He further pressed,
“Will you go through with the bet, or will you back out like the weasel that you are?”
When Hearn attempted to take the microphone to speak, Eubank interrupted him, insisting he answer directly instead of giving a lengthy introduction.
Eubank explained,
“His current excuse is that the board will fine him £100,000 for betting, which he claims is why he can`t place the million-pound bet he publicly agreed to. So, to make it simple, I`ll put up the million pounds, and you put up £900,000. That way, I cover the £100,000 fine you apparently can`t afford. Let`s arrange this tonight by putting the money into escrow, with the winner taking everything on Saturday. What do you say?”
When Hearn finally had his turn to speak, he did not directly accept the challenge.
“As I mentioned to your promoter,” Hearn responded, “I will discuss this with [BBBofC general secretary Robert W. Smith]. If my license won`t be penalized, we can look into it. For now, focus on getting back to your hotel, making weight, and preparing for a thorough defeat this Saturday at Tottenham Hotspur.”
Eubank was not satisfied with this response and accused Hearn of going back on his word regarding the proposed bet.
“You always find a way to avoid what you should do, which is keeping your promises,” Eubank commented.
The upcoming fight between Eubank and Benn is highly anticipated due to the historical rivalry between their fathers, Chris Eubank Sr. and Nigel Benn, who competed in two championship fights in the early 1990s. This Saturday`s main event will see Eubank Jr. defending his newly acquired IBO middleweight title against Benn.
