Chris Eubank Jr has claimed Conor Benn "deserved the embarrassment" of being struck with an egg during Tuesday's press conference in Manchester after his failed drug tests last year. The World Boxing Council attributed Benn's positive tests to a "highly-elevated consumption of eggs" which resulted in their original bout being called off; however, Benn has now been exonerated of any wrongdoing.

As the fighters ramp up preparations for their eagerly awaited middleweight showdown on April 26, they were involved in a scuffle sparked by Eubank hitting Benn with an egg hidden in his jacket during their face-off in Manchester. The commotion remained a talking point as the build-up moved to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday, where they will eventually trade blows in the ring.

Eubank remarked: "Did I cross the line? During this whole process I think many lines have been crossed."

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He added: "So me throwing an egg at somebody who absurdly claims that was the reason why he failed two drugs tests, I think that's light, I think he deserved the embarrassment of what happened, if I had an opportunity to do it again then I would."

Eubank went on to joke: "Unfortunately I come unarmed today, I've been searched multiple times and I couldn't sneak any in."

But he turned serious when discussing the fight itself, saying: "In all seriousness, though, this is a real fight, this will be a bloodbath. It will be like the first fight between my father and Nigel Benn, it'll be special."

Benn has tallied points victories over Rodolfo Orozco and Peter Dobson in both his bouts since making a comeback in 2023 after failing drug tests, marking an undefeated record with 23 wins. Meanwhile, Eubank, aged 35, has been more active in the ring with three fights, including one defeat and a subsequent triumph in a rematch against Liam Smith.

"Respect for me is reserved for fighters who are true, who don't cheat, if you cheat then I don't care how many fights you've had, how well you've done – I don't respect you. There is no respect in this fight," stated Eubank, boasting 34 wins from his 37 bouts, with three losses to his name. The historic rivalry reignited when Nigel Benn, who clashed with Chris Eubank Sr in 1990 and 1993, confronted Eubank Jr in Manchester by grabbing his neck after provocation directed at his son.

Eubank Sr has notably avoided media events this week. Eubank Jr delivered a stern warning towards Benn's father, alluding to their encounter: "Nigel, I understand the frustration and the heat you're feeling the other day when I egged Conor," he remarked.

"You put your hands on my neck and I'm going to give you a pass to what happened but if you put your hands on my neck again, then you won't get it back."

To which Conor Benn retorted, "Eubank, I can't wait to smash your head in."