Chaos erupted at a promotional event when Chris Eubank Jr. unexpectedly slapped Conor Benn with an egg. The incident immediately escalated tensions between the two boxers, adding another chapter to the long-standing rivalry between the Eubank and Benn boxing dynasties.
The confrontation took place during what was supposed to be a standard face-off. As both athletes stood toe-to-toe on stage, engaging in the customary staredown, Eubank Jr. suddenly pulled out an egg and smacked Benn across the face with it. The unexpected act caused immediate pandemonium as security rushed in to separate the two before the situation could deteriorate further.
A Rivalry That Runs Deep
The Benn-Eubank rivalry is deeply rooted in British boxing history, dating back to the legendary clashes between Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr. in the 1990s. Their highly contentious bouts captivated fans worldwide, establishing one of the most heated feuds in the sport. With their sons now continuing the tradition, this latest incident serves as yet another example of the bad blood that refuses to dissipate between these two boxing families.
The egg-slapping incident has set social media ablaze, with fans divided over whether Eubank Jr.’s actions were an act of comedic genius or an unnecessary provocation. While some viewed it as an entertaining spectacle, others condemned it as unprofessional and childish behavior that further damages the integrity of the sport.
The Egg Scandal
The timing of Eubank Jr.’s egg stunt was particularly ironic, given that eggs were controversially blamed for Conor Benn’s failed PED test. Back in October, Benn tested positive for clomiphene. The revelation led to the cancellation of his scheduled bout with Eubank Jr., leaving fans frustrated and casting a shadow over his boxing career.
In a highly debated decision, the World Boxing Council (WBC) later reinstated Benn in the rankings, citing that his positive PED test may have been caused by consuming an unusually high number of eggs—reportedly up to 34 per week. The explanation was widely mocked within the boxing community, with many questioning the legitimacy of the WBC’s findings.
Fast-food chains even got in on the ridicule, with Domino’s Pizza UK posting a tweet poking fun at Benn’s egg defense. Benn, clearly unimpressed, responded by declaring his preference for their competitor, Pizza Hut.
Dr. Usman Sajjad and the Widespread PED Problem in Boxing
While Benn has continued to deny any intentional PED use, the controversy surrounding him intensified when it was revealed that he had ties to Dr. Usman Sajjad. Sajjad, a physician who has worked with several combat sports athletes, including Tyson Fury and UFC’s Paddy Pimblett, found himself at the center of a major PED scandal.
The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) recently blacklisted Dr. Sajjad, refusing to accept any medical documentation from him after he publicly claimed that “80-90% of elite boxers” are using PEDs. His remarks, made on the Quality Shot podcast, lifted the lid on the widespread doping culture in combat sports.
“If you are an elite-level boxer, you know, pay-per-view, world-class, European level, 80 to 90 percent are doing it (dr*gs) from what I’m seeing,” Sajjad revealed.
Sajjad also detailed how many athletes use loopholes to avoid detection, including manipulating drug testing schedules, using diuretics, and relying on intravenous fluid infusions after weigh-ins to mask illicit substances.
“You could take fast-acting testosterone or growth hormones which can only be in your body for seven to eight hours,” he added. “A lot of athletes can take them at 9-10 PM, and they would be out of their system by 7 AM when testers are not allowed to visit.”
With stricter scrutiny on medical professionals like Sajjad and increasing pressure on boxing organizations to uphold clean sport standards, the next few months could be pivotal in shaping how the sport handles doping controversies moving forward. Whether Benn’s name will be cleared or further tarnished remains to be seen, but for now, the boxing world is left with a lingering question—was it really just the eggs?
