Boxing fans were treated to a bizarre spectacle recently, as tensions escalated between Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn ahead of their highly anticipated middleweight clash. During a press conference in Manchester, Eubank Jr. unexpectedly slapped Benn across the face with an egg, causing a chaotic scene that has sparked debate within the sport.
"Boxing Has Changed" Says Hearn
The incident drew a strong reaction from boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, who represents Benn. Hearn voiced his disapproval, stating that the sport "changed tonight" following the egg-throwing incident. He told the Radio 4 Today programme: “I’ll choose my words carefully [as I’m on the BBC] but I wasn’t overly happy with it if I’m honest. I never feel you should never lay a hand on a fighter at a press conference, especially not with an object.”
Hearn's comments highlight the growing concern about the level of animosity and the potential for physical altercations outside of the ring. The incident also brought up past controversies, with Eubank Jr. making reference to two drugs tests Benn failed.
Dubois' Inspiring Journey
In other boxing news, British professional boxer Caroline Dubois has shared her inspiring journey in the sport. Dubois, who has held the WBC women's lightweight world title since last year, revealed the challenges she faced early in her career.
Dubois recounted how she had to pretend to be a boy to even begin boxing, highlighting the obstacles she overcame to achieve her dream. "I had to fight to even get in the ring," Dubois stated in a recent interview. Her story is a testament to her dedication and resilience, serving as an inspiration to aspiring female boxers around the world.
The State of Boxing Today
The contrasting stories of Eubank Jr.'s antics and Dubois' inspiring journey paint a complex picture of boxing today. While the sport continues to be marked by drama and controversy, it also offers opportunities for individuals to overcome adversity and achieve greatness. Whether the Eubank Jr. incident represents a worrying trend remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: boxing continues to captivate and surprise.
