CONOR BENN has claimed Chris Eubank Jr’s “ego” almost scuppered their historic clash.
The British boxing stars will collide at the O2 Arena on October 8 – nearly thirty years after their dads’ controversial draw in their rematch at Old Trafford.
But Benn claims the fight almost didn’t come to fruition due to a myriad of demands from Eubank Jr.
The welterweight contender – who will be moving up in weight for the fight – told the BBC: “There were numerous things [delays caused by Eubank during negotiations].
“His ego kept getting in the way. [Eubank wanted his] ring walk second, home corner, his name first on the bill, all of that.
“Everybody knows it’s Benn-Eubank, but anyway, we let him have Eubank-Benn.”
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The undefeated Benn, 25, was more than happy to make the concessions to ensure the unprecedented fight took place.
He continued: “We let him have all of that.
“We was arguing about all of that and I just, you know what, just let him have it all…my ego ain’t that big.
“If he feels like he needs all that, then that’s fine. Just give me an eighteen-foot ring and we’re good.”
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Benn’s dad Nigel suffered a ninth-round TKO defeat in his first clash with Chris Eubank Sr in 1990 and fought “English” to a split draw in their rematch three years later.
But Conor doesn’t feel under any pressure to avenge his old man’s loss to his former bitter rival.
He said: “I work extremely hard. I leave everything in the gym. I do as much as I can, I do the best I can.
“Why have I got to feel the pressure? I’ve done this too many times, I’ve entertained too many times for this to now just go, all of a sudden, it’s going to make me crumble.”
Benn has stopped 14 of his career opponents and is confident of adding Eubank Jr’s name to that list.
He said: “I’m confident in beating any man. I work hard enough, I know what I’m made of, I know what I can do.
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“Whoever it is. I do what I’m supposed to do and more. It’s not just about beating someone, it’s how you look beating someone.
“You can’t take away from the victories I’ve had. Call me delusional, call me very confident, call me what you want. I believe I can be the first man to stop Chris.”
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Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk