Eubank made a slow entrance and demanded Benn be seated closer to him.

“I don’t know who you think you’re talking to,” responded a twitchy Benn, dressed in a black silk pyjama-like outfit.

The fighters belittled each other’s records, Eubank spoke about the injustice of a rehydration clause which means he cannot weigh more than 10lb more than the middleweight limit on fight night, and Benn said he would “render [Eubank] unconscious”.

“I’m excited to end this man’s career,” said 28-year-old Benn, who has won all 23 of his fights, with 14 stoppages.

With 34 wins in a career spanning more than 13 years, Eubank, 35, has fought at a significantly higher level. His losses have come against former world champions Billy Joe Saunders, George Groves and Liam Smith.

“I’m going to beat him because I’m a better fighter in every department,” he said.

Eubank and Benn have reignited a family rivalry after their hall-of-fame fathers fought for a second time almost 32 years ago.

Eubank Sr was not in attendance, however, and appears reluctant to be involved in the promotion of the fight.

“The bottom line is that his dad does not even like him,” said Benn.

As the war of words continued, Nigel Benn and Eubank’s team, including promoter Ben Shalom, remained quiet.

But Eubank took particular aim at Benn’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, who refused to back down.

“This is not the Eddie Hearn show,” he said, talking over Hearn every time the Matchroom chairman spoke as a standoff ensued.