Why did Chris Eubank Jr compensate undercard fighters for canceled 2022 Benn fight — well — let’s take a look why ahead of the fight happening.
As the boxing world gears up for the long-awaited Chris Eubank Jr. vs Conor Benn fight at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this weekend.
A past act of generosity by Eubank Jr. has resurfaced, maybe for some whom were unaware of it.
One that rather has a way of reminding fans of his character beyond the ring, for all the flack he gets.
Back in October 2022 the original Eubank Jr.-Benn showdown was dramatically canceled.
Literally just days before the event at London’s O2 Arena after Benn tested positive for the banned substance clomifene.
At the time prompting the British Boxing Board of Control to suspend him.
The fallout left undercard fighters, who had poured money into training camps, without their expected purses. Not good.
A financial hit that Eubank Jr. refused to let stand in fairness to him.
In a move that stunned the boxing community, it still does really, Eubank Jr., then 33, personally compensated 10 undercard fighters.
Including Shannon Courtenay, Lyndon Arthur and Ellie Scotney with a total of £50,000 from his own pocket.
Each fighter received £5,000.
A sum Eubank Jr. confirmed via social media posts in late 2022.
Sharing bank transfer receipts as proof at the time.
Courtenay called him “a class act,” while Arthur noted the gesture “meant the world” during a tough time.
That’s the type of character Eubank is at heart when all is said and done.
Eubank Jr. publicly called out promoter Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing for not stepping up at the time.
He even challenged Hearn and Benn to match his contribution
Important to realize this coming into the fight now finally happening this weekend.
There is a lot of bad blood between these two and for good reason.
It will only get worst too until one has a chance on Saturday night to either brutally knock the other out cold.
Or else batter the other over the duration.
That’s the true reality of it.