Chris Eubank Jr (34-3, 25 KOs) and Conor Benn (23-0, 14 KOs) will finally settle their long-standing rivalry this Saturday night at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, in a middleweight contest steeped in family history.
Their feud traces back to 1990 when their fathers, Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn, first squared off in one of British boxing’s most iconic matchups. Now, decades later, their sons look to write the next chapter in this storied saga, each hoping to claim bragging rights for their bloodline.
The fight was originally scheduled for October 2022 but was scrapped after Benn failed two voluntary drug tests, testing positive for the banned substance clomifene. The cancellation shocked the boxing world and put the long-anticipated showdown on hold—until now.
Living up to their fathers’ legendary battles is no small task, but anticipation for the bout is immense. Many are calling it one of the most significant fights to take place on British soil this year.
Win Or Bust For Chris Eubank Jr
Eubank has stated that Saturday’s bout with Benn is the biggest of his career, in what feels like a make or break moment for his future and any hopes of competing at world level again.
“Yes, There is a point in every fighter’s life that they will reach when they can’t go any further,” said Eubank. “If I can’t beat Conor Benn now, then I’ve reached my ceiling.”
When quizzed on wether he would retire if he lost the grudge match the 35-year old said; “No of course not, not that I plan on losing the fight, not that I think I will lose the fight. The reality is you can lose fights, I will lose fights in my career, not to this man.”
A win on Saturday night could propel the IBO World middleweight champion towards challenging for further honours, with him still yet to capture a world title from any of the four major sanctioning bodies and a potential clash with pound for pound star Saul Canelo Alvarez a possibility.
Conor Benn Moving Up To Middleweight Despite Chris Eubank Sr Displeasure
Benn, normally a welterweight, will move up two weight divisions to meet Eubank Jr at 160 lbs. The decision has drawn criticism, including from Eubank Sr, who has been outspoken in his opposition.
“These people are attempting to murder the boy, and it’s clear to me but not to anybody else,” said Eubank Sr in his criticism of the bout. “If you’re a fighter, if you’ve lived the life of a fighter and you know what it is to lose weight, my son’s been protected, and I brought him up good in boxing.”
Benn has already stated that this will be his only time competing at the weight as he plans to return to 147lbs to compete for world titles of his own following this weekend’s action.
Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has stated that he believes there is likely to be around a 10lbs weight difference between both men come fight night, giving Eubank the size advantage in both height and weight.
Writers Prediction For Chris Eubank V Conor Benn
This is arguably the most high-profile fight in the UK this year, and both fighters face intense pressure. For Chris Eubank, a loss could end any hopes of another title run. For Conor Benn, the challenge lies in overcoming the size and experience gap.
Benn will look to maintain pressure on Eubank and the latter will need a strong and consistent jab to keep that at bay, something that may not be good enough to ensure enough space to do his best work, although his winding uppercuts could prove to be successful in close range.
There will be a need for Eubank to ensure his guard is tight, especially his left hand after being punished by overhand rights in his loss to Liam Smith.
Prediction: Conor Benn via stoppage.
