Promoter Eddie Hearn has publicly advised British boxer Chris Eubank Jr to consider hanging up his gloves, stating the 36-year-old has 'nothing left to prove' following a concerning social media post from a hospital bed.
'Strange' Hospital Video Prompts Concern
Hearn's comments came after Eubank Jr shared footage online last month, filmed shortly after his points defeat to fierce rival Conor Benn. The video showed the fighter apparently unconscious and connected to medical equipment, sparking widespread worry among fans.
Speaking to Clubhouse Boxing, Hearn described the decision to upload the clip as 'strange'. 'I just don't get it,' Hearn said. 'As I understand it, it was a colonoscopy. I don't know who was filming him during the operation.' He was careful to stress that his criticism was of the action, not the man, and wished Eubank Jr nothing but good health.
Contrast with Benn and Questions Over Fight Readiness
Despite the shocking footage, Hearn revealed he saw no signs of serious illness during Eubank Jr's preparation for the rematch with Benn at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. 'I was in Dubai a couple of weeks ago... he looked phenomenal,' Hearn recalled, having seen him training and on the scales.
The Matchroom promoter contrasted Eubank Jr's public revelations with Benn's more private approach. 'Conor had some terrible problems in this camp, but even if he lost, we wouldn't be talking about it,' Hearn said, questioning why Eubank Jr was allowed to fight if he was truly so unwell.
The Case for Retirement After a 'Drubbing'
Following Eubank Jr's declaration that he won't return to the ring until he is '100 per cent', Hearn believes the time is right for the boxer to walk away for good. 'I think he should retire personally,' Hearn stated bluntly. 'He's 36, going on 37, he's made a heck of a lot of money. He's got his twins on the way.'
Hearn suggested that even a move up to super-middleweight would only lead to punishing fights and dismissed Eubank Jr's long-held dream of facing Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez as a complete 'mismatch'. He attributed Eubank Jr's competitive showing against Benn solely to the weight difference, claiming Benn is a far superior pound-for-pound fighter.
The promoter warned that Eubank Jr's love of money might tempt him to continue, but urged him to prioritise his health and life outside boxing. Hearn concluded that the one-sided nature of the Benn defeat, where he felt Eubank Jr 'was beat by the much better man' and was close to being knocked out, should signal the end of a notable career.
