Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn’s planned rematch is ‘falling apart’ mere weeks after it was announced.
The pair fought for the first time in April in a continuation of their fathers’ famous rivalry, with Eubank winning by unanimous decision at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The rematch, announced in late June, was scheduled for September 20, with promoter Eddie Hearn hinting tipping Wembley Stadium as a preferred venue.
But the bout is now in doubt after Saudi kingpin Turki Alalshikh and Riyadh Season reportedly withdrew from negotiations.
Benn was quick to wash his hands of the fallout, telling Ring Magazine: “This rematch falling apart had nothing to do with me. I was ready to go on the scheduled September 20 date. I'm not sure what happened to Chris Eubank."
Hearn backed his fighter, telling IFL TV: "We've said to Eubank that is the date. And if you don't take the fight on that date, the fight doesn't work.
"There are no stadiums available. Commercially, you guys are on a fortune. So if Eubank is not prepared to take the fight on September 20, I don't think there will be a fight. That's not my decision, that's a decision of [Alalshikh].
“Eubank probably can't be bothered to go back into camp. I'm not sure if he'll ever fight again. I've just got the feeling he doesn't want it."
Eubank Jr is yet to respond to Hearn’s comments.
An optional rematch clause was included in the original fight contract.
Eubank was hospitalised after winning the April bout and required surgery on an eye injury.
Benn seems more keen to have a rematch after publicly disagreeing with the judges’ decisions following the first fight.
He said in April: “I watched the fight back, I personally had me up a point.
“I wouldn't have moaned at - you know - a point either way, but four points is a bit wide in my opinion, but we keep it moving.
“What an evil way [to lose]. I’m not gonna cry over spilt milk. I just have to do better, work harder, do the best I can.”
