LONDON, England – Chris Eubank Jr narrowly triumphed over Conor Benn in one of the most heated boxing rivalries in British history at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday night. After two-and-a-half years of build-up and anticipation, the bout delivered an electrifying performance over 12 rounds, ending with Eubank winning by unanimous decision, all judges scoring it 116-112.
The fight was a fierce showdown, as both boxers came out swinging, relying on their aggression to dominate the ring. Eubank, 35, showcased his experience against the younger Benn, 28, who was facing his first professional defeat after 24 fights. ‘I knew I could do that; I just needed someone to bring that out of me, and I didn’t think that he would be the guy to do that,’ Eubank said post-fight.
In a dramatic turn, Eubank’s father, Chris Eubank Sr., who had been critical of the fight, was present at the venue, signaling a reconciliation between father and son. ‘I’m happy to have this man back with me. We upheld the family name – onwards and upwards,’ Eubank Jr added, revealing that his father’s support gave him an additional boost during the fight.
The bout held historical weight, as it echoed the fierce rivalry established between their fathers, Chris Eubank Sr. and Nigel Benn, who fought in a legendary series of clashes over three decades ago. The atmosphere was charged, with the 65,000-strong crowd erupting as memories of past matchups lingered in the air.
Benn started strong, finding success with punches that wobbled Eubank in the earlier rounds. However, as the fight progressed, Eubank began to adjust his strategy, reminding Benn that ‘it’s too easy’ while demonstrating his ability to adapt. By the fifth round, although Eubank appeared fatigued, he rallied with a newfound intensity.
Both fighters exchanged fire with the referee intervening at times to restore order as they started talking to each other in the ring. Eubank Sr. took an active role, leaving his seat to join Eubank’s corner after his son suffered a minor cut above his eye, encouraging him during key moments in the fight.
Throughout the final rounds, Eubank turned the tide, landing impactful combinations, while Benn showed resilience against sustained attacks, managing to stay on his feet until the final bell. ‘I felt it was a close fight. I’m not going to say “yeah I should have won that” – I’ve got to watch it back. It was close,’ Benn remarked after the bout, reflecting on the closely matched contest.
Standard post-fight procedure saw Eubank taken to the hospital, with speculation rising around the status of his jaw after the fight. Both fighters signed a two-fight deal, hinting that a rematch could be on the horizon later this year, continuing the legacy of their historical feud.
As back-to-back cheers filled the stadium, the response from fans indicated their fervent desire to witness more from these incredible athletes. After such an intense encounter, it is clear that the clamoring for a rematch will only grow louder in the coming months.
