Ricky Hatton plays down Eubank Jr vs Benn fears as Eubank Sr begs fight is cancelled

It's a fight as controversial as it is divisive. This Saturday, the bad blood between Chris Eubank Jnr and Conor Benn will finally spill over in a boxing ring after two-and-a-half years of insults, eggs, doping taunts, and unsavoury confrontations.

For fans in favour, it signifies an iconic family rivalry passed down to a second generation. For cynics, it is farcical theatre between two men living off their fathers' legacies. For the legendary Chris Eubank Snr, who, unlike Nigel Benn won't be in his son's corner at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, it spells unnecessary danger and the potential for fatal damage to his boy.

His fears centre around the vast difference in weight between the two fighters. Benn is moving up two weights to clash with his rival at middleweight. To counter that, a clause is in place that forbids either fighter from putting on more than 10lbs following the final weigh-in.

Eubank, 58, has made no secret of his wish to see the bout scrapped. He didn't mince his words due to Benn's failed doping test, accusing the authorities of "trying to murder my son."

Rick Hatton, a man well accustomed to the dangers of the ring, has sympathised with the plight of his fellow former world champion. However, he also insisted that the bout would not have been sanctioned if either man was deemed at risk.

"I see his point absolutely," Hatton, speaking on behalf of , told Express Sport. "Would I like to see Campbell (his son) in the same position if I had history with one of my opponents, and then they ended up poorly, and my son is boiling down in weight and has a hydration clause? I'd feel uncomfortable."

"But Conor and Eubank Jnr, alongside Nigel, have every faith in the British Boxing Board of Control that things will be safe even though there is a hydration clause and the weight difference. I have no doubt the board will ensure the boxer's safety and even though Conor is moving up and Eubank Jnr is moving down, they will make sure the fight is as safe as possible."

Eubank's fears are not unfounded. Tottenham Hotspur's stadium has been rebuilt since the night he fought Michael Watson in their rematch in 1991, but the ghosts of White Hart Lane remain. Watson suffered a near-fatal brain injury after collapsing in the final round, leaving him with life-changing injuries.

Hatton doesn't share his scepticism, but sympathises with his situation. He has faith in the organisers, but also backs Eubank's parental stance.

"The British Boxing Board of Control and the medical side of things will put the right things in order so nothing like that happens," he added. "But if you've been through what the parents have gone through, I can see why Chris Snr doesn't want anything to do with it. "

Regardless of the outcome on Saturday night, the outcome will linger long in the memory of boxing fans. Hatton is assured that the outcome will be a safe one.