Ricky Hatton plays down Eubank Jr vs Benn fears as | Boxing News

It’s a combat as controversial as it’s divisive. This Saturday, the unhealthy blood between Chris Eubank Jnr and Conor Benn will lastly spill over in a boxing ring after two-and-a-half years of insults, eggs, doping taunts, and unsavoury confrontations.

For followers in favour, it signifies an iconic household rivalry handed down to a second era. For cynics, it’s farcical theatre between two males dwelling off their fathers’ legacies. For the legendary Chris Eubank Snr, who, in contrast to Nigel Benn received’t be in his son’s nook on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, it spells pointless hazard and the potential for deadly injury to his boy.

His fears centre across the huge distinction in weight between the 2 fighters. Benn is transferring up two weights to conflict together with his rival at middleweight. To counter that, a clause is in place that forbids both fighter from placing on more than 10lbs following the ultimate weigh-in.

Eubank, 58, has made no secret of his want to see the bout scrapped. He didn’t mince his phrases after the initial bout was cancelled on account of Benn’s failed doping take a look at, accusing the authorities of “trying to murder my son.”

Rick Hatton, a man properly accustomed to the risks of the ring, has sympathised with the plight of his fellow former world champion. However, he additionally insisted that the bout wouldn’t have been sanctioned if both man was deemed at risk.

“I see his point absolutely,” Hatton, talking on behalf of Action Network, informed Express Sport. “Would I like to see Campbell (his son) in the same position if I had history with one of my opponents, and then they ended up poorly, and my son is boiling down in weight and has a hydration clause? I’d feel uncomfortable.”

“But Conor and Eubank Jnr, alongside Nigel, have every faith in the British Boxing Board of Control that things will be safe even though there is a hydration clause and the weight difference. I have no doubt the board will ensure the boxer’s safety and even though Conor is moving up and Eubank Jnr is moving down, they will make sure the fight is as safe as possible.”

Eubank’s fears are usually not unfounded. Tottenham Hotspur’s stadium has been rebuilt for the reason that evening he fought Michael Watson of their rematch in 1991, however the ghosts of White Hart Lane stay. Watson suffered a near-fatal mind damage after collapsing within the last spherical, leaving him with life-changing accidents.

Hatton doesn’t share his scepticism, however sympathises together with his state of affairs. He has religion within the organisers, but additionally backs Eubank’s parental stance.

“The British Boxing Board of Control and the medical side of things will put the right things in order so nothing like that happens,” he added. “But should you’ve been by means of what the mother and father have gone by means of, I can see why Chris Snr doesn’t need something to do with it. “

Regardless of the result on Saturday evening, the result will linger long within the reminiscence of boxing followers. Hatton is assured that the result can be a protected one.