Talks between Chris Eubank Jnr and Conor Benn are reaching a critical stage, with promoter Eddie Hearn “very hopeful” an agreement to stage the controversial British showdown can be reached in the next fortnight.

Eubank and Benn were scheduled to fight in October 2022 only for it to be cancelled during fight week when news emerged that the latter had failed two VADA tests. And so began a long and winding legal battle which seemingly culminated on November 6 with Benn having his provisional suspension with UKAD lifted by the National Anti-Doping Panel. UKAD – who campaigned for the suspension to remain – indicated they would consider their position, with November 27 being the deadline for an appeal.

Once that date has passed, Benn will indeed be clear to fight again in Britain. Until then, however, Benn will not apply for the reinstatement of the British Boxing Board of Control licence he relinquished two years ago. It is understood that the Board, despite sharing UKAD’s stance on the failed tests, will approve that application without any need for a hearing.

“It feels like we’ve got a new signing in Conor Benn, one of the biggest stars in British boxing for sure,” Hearn said. “He’s in a brilliant position. Having won his case recently, now he’s like, ‘I just want to fight.’ He’s just chomping at the bit.”

Benn has not fought in the UK, or in the welterweight division, since he blew away Chris van Heerden inside two rounds in April 2022 but he holds lofty rankings with all sanctioning bodies at 147. Since failing two separate tests in July and September 2022, with banned substance clomiphene being discovered on both occasions, Benn has fought twice in America. Rodolfo Orozco was outpointed over 10 rounds in September 2023 before Benn, not quite at his bombastic best, was again forced to go the distance in February when Peter Dobson was outscored over 12.

In which division he competes next is dependent on the opponent. There had been speculation that he might challenge Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title but Eubank Jnr has always been the preference of Benn’s promoter.

“You’ve got to get the decision right, so we’ll sit down with his team because this is a really, really important decision,” Hearn said regarding Benn’s next move.

“Conor can fight for the world welterweight title next. I love the fight with [Mario] Barrios, I love it, such a great fight – and it’s the WBC world welterweight title. Then you’ve got the Chris Eubank fight, which obviously pays a lot more money. It’s one of, if not the, biggest fight in British boxing. You can create an amazing event, an amazing build-up, the content, the narrative, it’s got it all. And that for me is the fight to make. But Conor does have aspirations to win a world championship and it’s very tempting to try and do that earlier in the year.”

That temptation is being resisted for now, it seems, with talks between Benn and Eubank, who is promoted by Boxxer, in full flow.

“We’ve been speaking to Eubank’s side and, I think, if everyone is sensible and proactive in trying to make that fight, park the egos to the side for the moment, I think we can get that fight made,” Hearn said. “This week and next week are crunch times to try and get that fight over the line and I’m very hopeful.”