CONOR BENN has predicted he will “flatten” Chris Eubank Jr as Eddie Hearn revealed a target date for the grudge match.
The pair were due to meet in a 157lb catchweight clash last October but it was cancelled just days before due to two failed Benn tests.
GettyConor Benn with promoter Eddie Hearn[/caption]
GettyChris Eubank Jr is closing in on a deal to fight Benn[/caption]
So now it looks as though the welterweight must accept Eubank’s terms to fight at middleweight.
And according to Hearn, a deal is imminent for the new year, having previously been eyed for December 23.
He told talkSPORT: “The beef and the bad blood is very real between Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr and I would expect it to be after what happened.
“We want to close that fight in the next seven days. I believe you’re going to see Benn vs Eubank in January, it’s going to be a massive stadium fight in the UK.
“We’ve still got to get the contract signed and see the ink dry. But that’s the fight we want to make, it’s the only one we’re interested in.
The two were set to fight nearly 30 years on from their dads’ famous rematch, which ended in a draw.
“The history is there, the legacy is there, the controversy is there.
“It’s definitely not at 157 lbs, Conor’s already said 160 lbs now problem.
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“But, that’s the biggest fight in British boxing right now and we’re going to get it signed.”
Eubank, 34, went onto be knocked out by Liam Smith, 35, before winning the rematch by stoppage after the grudge match collapsed.
Benn, 26, meanwhile was left to fight for his name having been refused a licence by the British Boxing Board of Control.
Following a video-call hearing with the National Anti-Doping Panel, his provisional suspension was lifted, freeing him to fight again.
But Benn was forced to do so in America as his row with the BBBoC raged on, as he beat Rodolfo Orozco in Orlando.
Hearn has teased that talks with the BBBoC could see them finally come on board for the bitter bout between Benn and Eubank.
Despite the fight nearing the finished line, Eubank Sr actually called for his nephew Harlem, 30, to carry on the family feud.
And Benn responded: “When I flatten @ChrisEubankJr in 3 rounds the nephew can come in for the encore and I’ll flatten him afterwards for banter.”
Ed Mulholland/Matchroom.Benn is open to fighting Harlem Eubank too[/caption]