Chris Eubank Jr.’s Poker Debt to Neymar: The Truth Behind the $4M Controversy

The world of professional sports is no stranger to high-stakes gambling, but a new claim has sent shockwaves through both the boxing and poker communities. British boxing star Chris Eubank Jr. has allegedly racked up a staggering $4 million poker debt to Brazilian football icon Neymar. This revelation, made by fellow boxer Conor Benn, has fueled speculation and added a layer of drama to their upcoming bout on April 26, 2025, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.

The Shocking Allegation

During a heated press conference on February 25, Benn made the stunning claim that Eubank Jr. took the fight primarily to settle his poker debt. “He owes Neymar four million quid—that’s why he’s taken this fight,” Benn stated. While trash talk is common in boxing, this particular accusation has gained significant traction due to Neymar’s well-known love for poker and his participation in high-stakes games.

Eubank Jr. and Neymar have been spotted together at major poker events, including the 2024 World Series of Poker, “Hustler Casino Live,” and the Brazilian Series of Poker. Their shared passion for the game makes the claim somewhat plausible, though there is no direct evidence to support Benn’s allegation.

Eubank Jr.’s Response

Rather than directly denying the claim, Eubank Jr. responded with his own counterattack, casting doubt on Benn’s financial stability and hinting at rumors of his ties to promoter Eddie Hearn. This evasive reaction has only fueled speculation, with fans and analysts wondering if there might be some truth to the allegation.

Adding to the intensity of the press conference, Eubank Jr. took things a step further by slapping Benn with an egg during their face-off—a clear dig at Benn’s past doping scandal. Benn had previously blamed a failed drug test on contaminated eggs, and Eubank Jr. didn’t miss the opportunity to use it against him. The incident quickly escalated into a scuffle between their respective teams, further building hype for their highly anticipated fight.

The Intersection of Sports and High-Stakes Gambling

Poker and professional athletes have long been intertwined. Many sports stars, including Neymar, Michael Jordan, and Cristiano Ronaldo, have shown a deep interest in poker, often participating in high-stakes games for both entertainment and competition. Neymar himself is a global ambassador for poker and has been actively involved in the game for years.

While it’s not uncommon for athletes to wager large sums of money, a $4 million debt—if true—is an eye-watering figure even for a successful boxer like Eubank Jr. The claim raises questions about the financial management of athletes and the potential risks involved in gambling.

Public Reaction and Media Frenzy

Social media has been abuzz with reactions to Benn’s allegation. Some fans believe the claim is simply a promotional stunt to sell tickets and generate pay-per-view buys, while others are convinced that there may be some truth to the story. Given Neymar’s high-profile poker presence, the claim has sparked discussions beyond the boxing world, drawing attention from poker enthusiasts and mainstream sports fans alike.

What Happens Next?

With their fight just around the corner, the tension between Benn and Eubank Jr. is at an all-time high. Whether or not Eubank Jr. actually owes Neymar $4 million in poker debt remains unverified, but the controversy has undoubtedly increased interest in the match. If the claim is true, it adds an extra layer of intrigue to the fight—potentially making it a high-stakes showdown in more ways than one.

As for Neymar, the footballer has yet to publicly comment on the matter. Whether he chooses to address the rumors or let them fuel further speculation remains to be seen.

Regardless of the truth behind the allegations, one thing is certain: the upcoming fight between Benn and Eubank Jr. just got a whole lot more interesting.

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Sources:

• PokerNews: “Boxing Champ Allegedly in $4M Poker Debt to Neymar”
• GB News: “Chris Eubank Jr. Explains Conor Benn Egg Incident”