Nigel Benn vs. Chris Eubank out. The British public began to demand the fight to be made. Benn, having lost to Michael Watson, began to rebuild in America, winning the WBO middleweight title by knocking out Doug DeWitt. He then savaged Iran Barkley within one round in his first defence. Benn then agreed to meet Eubank with his title on the line, which set up the first fight. A rematch was held three years later. The Hate Game, a book documenting this boxing rivalry, written by Ben Dirs was published in 2013. The Benn entourage began plotting ways to demoralise Eubank and 'even things up'.
Chris Eubank Jr. can stand up to my power and I'll only get better and stronger. I'm ready for a title fight now." On 10 May, at the Olympia in Liverpool, Eubank dropped Polish boxer Robert Swierzbinkski (13-2, 3 KOs) seven times, eventually stopping him in round 7. Eubank was then added to a 7 June card, two days prior to it taking place at Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle. It was said that a win would move Eubank closer to a potential grudge match with Billy Joe Saunders, who was challenging for the vacant European title in July. Czech boxer Štěpán Horváth