Exclusive: Matchroom’s Frank Smith Caught Between Family and Fireworks Ahead of Eubank Jr vs Benn

Chris Eubank Jr’s grudge-match against Conor Benn is unlikely to reach the fifth round, according to someone with a unique insight into one of British boxing’s fiercest family feuds.

The two men, whose fathers fought twice in the early Nineties, are set to meet at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this weekend following an acrimonious and at times violent build-up.

They were initially scheduled to clash three years ago, before that bout was scrapped when clomifene - a performance enhancing substance - was detected within Benn’s system. 

A ban, imposed by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) and the board of control, was eventually lifted in November following a protracted legal battle during which he repeatedly protested his innocence. 

However, Benn’s pleas have failed to impress Eubank Jr, who smashed an egg on his rival’s face during a media event designed to launch their rearranged contest. 

The stunt was designed to make a mockery of claims that the positive test could be attributed to Benn’s consumption of the dairy product during his 2022 training camp.

Frank Smith, the chief executive officer of Benn’s promoter Matchroom, exclusively told SportsBoom: “This fight, for me, is going to be a three or four round brawl. Personally speaking, I can’t see it going beyond that."

“There’s just so much emotion involved in it, for all sorts of different reasons and that emotion is coming from both sides."

“Let me put it like this, I can’t see it being a chess match and I don’t think anyone else will be predicting one of those either."

"I believe they’re both just going to get in there and go right for it - straight from the off. I can’t see it being anything other than explosive.”

EXPLOSIVE TENSION

Smith is perfectly placed to gauge the tension between Benn and Eubank Jr because, despite being tasked with helping to oversee the former’s career, his partner Emily is the latter’s sister. 

“As you know, I’m stuck right in the middle of all this,” he smiled. “I’m trying not to bring my work home with me at the moment for obvious reasons. I’m definitely best leaving all of that for the office.”

Despite competing in different weight classes, the clamour to see Eubank Jr and Benn clash can be traced back to 1990 and 1993 when Chris and Nigel took part in two epic duels. 

The first, at Birmingham’s NEC, saw Eubank Sr wrestle the WBO middleweight title away from his nemesis. 

The second, staged inside Old Trafford, ended in a draw meaning the pair retained their respective titles - Benn had entered the ring carrying the WBC super-middleweight strap after defeating Mauro Galvano a year earlier.

More than two decades on, their sons will meet in the 160lbs division. Benn’s last outing came at 147lbs.

“It’s a big move (for Benn) going up to middleweight,” Smith conceded. “He’s not a massive welterweight."

“There’s been all this talk about second day weigh-ins but, the reality is, Conor is coming up two weight classes."

“He’s a natural welterweight but this fight is too big not to happen.”

“Conor is making a big step up,” Smith added. 

“Chris is more comfortable at the weight but, again, he’s not massive there. And also, the reality is, it might be becoming harder for him to make weight now.

“Certainly this is going to be a great night for British boxing.”