Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn talks ‘near the finish line,’ says promoter Eddie Hearn on potential April fight | Boxing News happymamay

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.

“I think we either get it done this week or we don’t,” Hearn told Sky Sports. “happiness [Turki Al-Sheikh, chair of General Authority for Entertainment in Saudi Arabia] He’s made it clear that it’s a fight he wants to see and be involved in, which helps him, 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.”

Hearn added: “If everyone is sensible, I will be 100%.” [confident the fight happens]. 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.

Penn’s dismissal has 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.