DESPITE an attempt to soften the financial blow heading his way, Chris Eubank Jr is nonetheless expected to pay his controversial £100,000 fine in full.
The 35-year-old was hit with the sizable penalty shortly after a chaotic press conference where, ahead of their showdown on April 26, he unapologetically slapped Conor Benn with an egg.
In doing so, Eubank, 35-3 (25 KOs), wished to remind his rival of the time when their previously-scheduled encounter, confirmed for October of 2022, suddenly fell through during fight week.
Back then, it emerged that Benn had twice tested positive for clomifene, a banned substance, to which the WBC responded by attempting to clear him of any wrongdoing.
Only, the reason that the sanctioning body gave to explain his positive tests – an elevated consumption of eggs – was then later rejected by the 28-year-old.
In any case, Eubank eventually revisited his lucrative matchup with Benn and, following 12 rounds of enthralling action, was able to emerge with a unanimous decision victory.
His behaviour throughout the build-up, however, did not go unnoticed by the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC), as General Secretary Robert Smith wasted little time imposing a hefty fine.
Firmly believing that the punishment for his egg slap was too harsh, Eubank then filed an appeal, which, seemingly, has resulted in the £100,000 figure remaining consistent.
“He [Eubank] said that he was going to appeal [the fine], but unfortunately, he did not fulfil the regulations,” Smith told Boxing News. “So, therefore, the fine stands.”
As with all fines imposed by the Board, the money is to be received by a charity that cares for retired boxers and their families.
Eubank, meanwhile, appears eager to enter a rematch with Benn this September, perhaps looking to make an even greater sum than the reported £10m for their first fight.
