Summary

  • Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn meet at a news conference before their fight on Saturday

  • Rivals expected to be kept apart by security after Eubank smashed an egg across Benn's face last month

  • Eubank takes on Benn over 30 years after their fathers' two fights in the 1990s

  • Bout is being contested at middleweight (11st 6lb)

  • Get Involved - #bbcboxing, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

  1. Relive epic Eubank Sr v Benn boutpublished at 18:57 British Summer Time 24 April

    It's not often we're building up to a fight and have the opportunity to cast our minds back to a blockbuster fight from over 30 years ago.

    We've been deep into the vault to blow the dust off this one.

    Relive the 1990 contest between Chris Eubank Sr v Nigel Benn to get you in the mood.

  2. A Gentleman telling off from Billam-Smithpublished at 18:55 British Summer Time 24 April

    Billam-Smith v Glanton

    Chris Billam-Smith just gave the most charming telling off to Brandon Glanton during their face-off. We never really see Billam-Smith riled up and this wasn't exactly an angry CBS.

    Glanton put his arm across Billam-Smith during the face-off when he flexed his muscles, and the Englishman was quick to bite back.

    We say bite, it looked like the most polite telling off in boxing history.

    He isn't known as the Gentleman for nothing!

    Chris Billam-Smith tells off Brandon Glanton by pointing his fingerImage source, Getty Images
    Chris Billam-Smith smiles as security steps in between him and Brandon GlantonImage source, Getty Images
  3. Why was the first Eubank v Benn fight cancelled?published at 18:52 British Summer Time 24 April

    Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn stand side-by-side at a news conferenceImage source, Getty Images

    It's almost 1,000 days since the first fight between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn was announced and we've had plenty of drama unfold in the meantime.

    I don't actually think we've got enough time this evening to get through an in-depth version, so I'll try my best to flick you through the highlights.

    • Eubank and Benn were scheduled to fight on 8 October 2022 at O2 Arena in London.
    • Bout cancelled on 5 October 2022 after Benn failed two voluntary drug tests in build-up.
    • Benn begins two-year battle against lengthy doping ban.
    • Benn cleared to return in November 2024 after the Board and UK Anti-Doping failed in appeal against the National Anti-Doping Panel's decision to lift his suspension.
    • Eubank slaps Benn with egg during face-off at news conference on 25 February.
  4. A face-off from a distancepublished at 18:50 British Summer Time 24 April

    Kal Sajad
    BBC Sport at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

    The fighters locked eyes for the first time in fight week at Tuesday’s grand arrivals. The red carpet was laid out at the Pelligon at Canary Wharf and all boxers strutted their stuff up and down a catwalk.

    We were told there would be a face-off between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn. Well, to use my colleague Coral Barry’s phrasing, they were kept so far apart that you could have parked a truck between them.

    After egg-gate, nobody was willing to take any chances.

    Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn are separated by securityImage source, Getty Images
  5. Fight week beginspublished at 18:49 British Summer Time 24 April

    There are plenty of ways for you to indulge across BBC Sport this weekend and one of those - as always - is via the 5 Live Boxing with Steve Bunce podcast.

    In the first episode of the week, Bunce and Barry Jones take the opportunity to delve into the 35-year history behind the rivalry.

  6. Postpublished at 18:48 British Summer Time 24 April

    That's all from the fighters from a talking perspective. Now it's time for them to face-off.

  7. 'A bit of arrogance'published at 18:47 British Summer Time 24 April

    Yarde v Arthur 3

    Anthony Yarde:

    "When I first fought Lyndon I was going through a lot. I'm not one to make excuses but it was covid, no crowds and I lost four family members including my dad.

    "What caused a bit of grit as well was how he acted after the first fight. There was a bit of arrogance that wasn't there before."

  8. 'Bitter pill to swallow'published at 18:45 British Summer Time 24 April

    Yarde v Arthur 3

    The final bout on the undercard is a light-heavyweight contest between Anthony Yarde and Lyndon Arthur.

    The British rivals meet for the third time after a win apiece.

    Arthur is first to speak:

    "I always thought the third fight would happen eventually.

    "The way I lost the second fight stung me. It was a bitter pill to swallow and now I'm here to right that wrong."

    Split image of Anthony Yarde and Lyndon Arthur speaking at a news conferenceImage source, Getty Images
  9. 'I'll knock him out'published at 18:43 British Summer Time 24 April

    Smith v McKenna

    Middleweight opponent Aaron McKenna seems up for this one:

    "Saturday is going to be a war, you could have it in a phonebooth.

    "I'll knock him out."

  10. 'Good to be back fit and healthy'published at 18:42 British Summer Time 24 April

    Smith v McKenna

    Over to the middleweights and Liverpool's Liam Smith:

    "It's good to be back fit and healthy. If the best Liam Smith turns up then Aaron McKenna is made for me.

    "Aaron's downfall will be his enthusiasm. If he wants another nine minute stare-off, we've got another tonight and then tomorrow."

  11. Watch news conference live shortlypublished at 18:40 British Summer Time 24 April

    Remember when Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn appear on stage, you will be able to watch it all unfold with the 'watch live' button above.

    We're almost there!

  12. Postpublished at 18:39 British Summer Time 24 April

    Brandon Glanton is keen to make some waves tonight.

    The American, who is facing Chris Billam-Smith, turns his sights on Cheavon Clarke this time.

    "If you want to go now, then let's go," Clarke says.

    Glanton steps up from his chair but doesn't move any further.

    Billam-Smith again looks perplexed about what is going on.

    For reference, please see Billam-Smith's face below!

    Chris Billam-Smith looks amusedImage source, Getty Images
  13. 'This is destiny'published at 18:35 British Summer Time 24 April

    Riley v Clarke

    Viddal Riley, meanwhile, is a Tottenham fan.

    Who prevails in this north London derby?

    "I get to fight an Arsenal fan for the British title. This is destiny and I'll do it on Saturday night."

    Viddal Riley speaks at a news conferenceImage source, Getty Images
  14. 'Better at the Emirates'published at 18:33 British Summer Time 24 April

    Riley v Clarke

    We move on to the other cruiserweight contest and this one is all-British.

    Cheavon Clarke, wearing an Arsenal shirt at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, gets us going:

    "It would have been better at the Emirates.

    "Destiny changes every day with every decision you make. He [Cheavon Clarke ] stands in the way of me providing for my family and my family has got to eat."

    Cheavon Clarke wears an Arsenal jersey to a news conferenceImage source, Getty Images
  15. Postpublished at 18:31 British Summer Time 24 April

    Billam-Smith v Glanton

    I was going to bring you the thoughts of Brandon Glanton but he's using terms that would get me the boot if I published them.

    In short he did call opponent Chris Billam-Smith "disrespectful".

    Billam-Smith, nicknamed The Gentleman, isn't engaging and looks quite confused that he's getting verbally attacked as he shakes his head.

    "I'll leave my talking till Saturday," Billam-Smith responds.

    Brandon Glanton in sunglasses waves at someoneImage source, Matchroom
  16. 'Chance for me to make a statement'published at 18:28 British Summer Time 24 April

    Billam-Smith v Glanton

    Former WBO cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith:

    "I learned I have plenty to improve on after that loss.

    "It's time for me to get back to winning ways.

    "He [Brandon Glanton] is highly ranked with the governing bodies so it's a chance for me to make a statement and get back to a world title fight."

    Chris Billam-Smith looks on with his hands under his chinImage source, Getty Images
  17. Promoter friendspublished at 18:26 British Summer Time 24 April

    Ben Shalom hugs Eddie Hearn from behindImage source, Matchroom

    Promoters Eddie Hearn and Ben Shalom are both doing their best to back their fighters at the moment but earlier in the week they looked like best friends.

    What are the chances we will see a similar embrace between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn after they fight on Saturday?

  18. Postpublished at 18:25 British Summer Time 24 April

    Boxxer promoter Ben Shalom and Matchroom counterpart Eddie Hearn get us going in this news conference before we finally get to hear from some fighters.

    It's as you would expect from the promoters - "great card", "huge fights", etc.

    Ben Shalom and Eddie Hearn speak to each otherImage source, Matchroom
  19. Postpublished at 18:22 British Summer Time 24 April

    Kal Sajad
    BBC Sport at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

    It wouldn't be a media event without Derek Chisora rocking up and causing havoc. The British heavyweight, sporting a trademark Union Jack bandana, has taken a front row seat.

  20. 'Every fight is a must win now'published at 18:22 British Summer Time 24 April

    Billam-Smith v Glanton

    Chris Billam-Smith holds his hand to his head in saluteImage source, Getty Images

    Former WBO cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith is among the fighters on stage at the moment.

    Billam-Smith lost his title last time out in a unification bout against Gilberto Ramirez and hopes to get back to winning ways on Saturday against Brandon Glanton.

    The 34-year-old was on a 11-fight win streak prior to that loss against Mexico's Ramirez and recognises the importance of getting back on a positive path.

    "With the stage I'm at, I haven't got ages left in the game," 34-year-old Billam-Smith told BBC Sport.

    "Every fight is a must win now, there is no rebuilding and I can't afford to not win, for me it's about this next fight and then getting what I want out of the sport."