‘Stop talking nonsense’ – Tony Bellew receives backlash after defending Eddie Hearn over Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn situation

Tony Bellew has spoken out in defence of his friend and former promoter Eddie Hearn following the postponement of Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn.

News broke on Wednesday that Benn had last month tested positive for banned substance clomifene, which can raise testosterone.

Despite this, Benn’s promoter Hearn and Eubank Jr’s promoter Kalle Sauerland worked hard to try and keep the fight in tact.

Ultimately, the British Boxing Board of Control’s decision to prohibit the fight proved to be a major obstacle.

On Thursday, Hearn and Sauerland admitted defeat and postponed the show for the time being.

In the past, Bellew has been very vocal in his criticism of drugs cheats, though some have accused him of not making this point with the same vigour when it comes to boxers promoted by Hearn who test positive.

In reply to a separate tweet about Eubank Jr’s father, Chris Eubank Sr sunning himself in South Africa, Bellew said: “That’s the best news I’ve heard all week! No parent should have to endure what him and his family have!”

Eubank Sr’s son (and Eubank Jr’s brother) Sebastian tragically died last year.

One fan replied to Bellew’s tweet and wrote: “Who knows what he might have had to endure if the fight had been allowed to go ahead and the positive test swept under the carpet?”

To which Bellew hit back: “That’s down to Eddie Hearn! He made the decision despite being able to still put it on! That’s not opinion that’s FACT.”

Many fans have not reacted positively to this tweet, pointing out that Hearn remained adamant that the fight would go ahead for over 24 hours before reluctantly making the decision to postpone.

One reply to Bellew read: “Sauerland said the decision was taken out of their hands… Stop talking nonsense Tony and stand by you’re convictions lad.”

While another put: “Why’d he leave it til 2 days out Tony? And only following a leak to a national newspaper?”

A third wrote: “Due to the pressure of the BBBOC and the general public He was backed into a corner and forced into this decision SO DONT make out that he’s the Good Samaritan in this If he had any integrity for the sport of boxing then he would of pulled the fight straight away!!”

And an additional reply said: “That is absolutely rubbish and you know it Tony.”

That’s the best news I’ve heard all week! No parent should have to endure what him and his family have!

— Tony Bellew (@TonyBellew) October 7, 2022

That’s down to Eddie Hearn! He made the decision despite being able to still put it on! That’s not opinion that’s FACT

— Tony Bellew (@TonyBellew) October 7, 2022