Boxing World Champion Accused of Owing Neymar $5M in Poker Debts

^{Pictured: Chris Eubank Jr. and Neymar}

Reigning IBO (International Boxing Organization) middleweight champion Chris Eubank Jr. has been accused of racking up massive gambling debts, according to Poker News. The claim was made by his upcoming opponent, Conor Benn, during a press conference ahead of their face-off. The highly anticipated world title fight is set for April 26 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.

Benn alleges that Eubank Jr. agreed to the fight purely to cover poker losses. The champion reportedly owes Brazilian football star and avid poker player Neymar £4 million (over $5 million).

Official data from HighRoll Poker shows Eubank Jr. has earned nearly $103,000 in poker winnings, while Neymar has banked $306,000. If Benn’s claim of a $5 million debt holds up, it likely stems from high-stakes private events where elite athletes test their luck.

Eubank Jr. did not directly address Benn’s accusations. Instead, he turned the focus to his opponent’s financial ties with promoter Eddie Hearn and accused Benn of doping — a reference to their canceled 2022 fight after Benn tested positive for a banned substance.

At the traditional stare-down, Eubank Jr. escalated the tension by smashing a raw egg on Benn’s face. He later explained that it was a dig at Benn’s failed drug tests. Benn previously suggested his positive result for clomiphene could have been caused by excessive egg consumption.