Eddie Hearn labelled Chris Eubank Jr “an a***hole” after he interrupted Hearn’s attempt to pay tribute to Ricky Hatton during a press conference for his upcoming fight with Conor Benn. The boxing world was left reeling following the news of Hatton’s death at just 46 years old on Sunday, with heartfelt tributes pouring in from around the globe for ‘The Hitman’.
Among those paying their respects was Hearn, who wanted to take ’30 seconds’ to honour one of Britain’s most beloved and successful boxers during Tuesday evening’s press conference. However, as Hearn tried to speak, Eubank Jr could be heard singing in the background. When Hearn requested “Thirty seconds about Ricky Hatton,” Eubank Jr said: “There’s no 30 seconds”.
Despite Hearn’s attempts to reason with him, Eubank Jr responded dismissively: “You know the drill, you know the drill”.
It was then that Hearn lost his patience with the fighter, exclaiming: “You are some a***hole you are”, while Eubank Jr continued to interrupt. The son of boxing legend Chris Eubank Snr then said: “Oh I’m the bad guy, I’m this…” as Hearn fired back: “All I was going to do was say a few words about Ricky Hatton”, only to be cut off once more.
“I don’t want to hear any of your words,” Eubank Jr shot back at Hearn, who concluded: “Okay, I won’t say anything. You’re an a***hole, you talk s*** and you’re going to get what’s coming to you.”
Eubank Jr disrupted Hearn on several occasions during the press conference, which had been organised to promote Benn and Eubank Jr’s second clash in November.
Their initial fight concluded with Eubank Jr emerging victorious, defeating his fierce adversary on points with all three judges awarding the contest 116-112 in his favour.
Benn arrived at the press conference sporting a Manchester City jersey as a mark of respect for Hatton, who was a devoted City supporter and received recognition from the club before their 3-0 triumph over Manchester United in Sunday afternoon’s Manchester derby.
Eubank Jr also paid his respects to Hatton on social media after news of his passing emerged.
“Rest in Peace Mr Ricky Hatton. We salute you,” he wrote.