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Chris Eubank Jr earned a unanimous decision victory over rival Conor Benn, with all three judges scoring the bout 116-112 in his favor after a 12-round British classic at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
The stadium erupted when the big screen revealed Chris Eubank Sr.’s surprise appearance to support his son, despite his public disappointment over the fight taking place.
In a contest far closer than many had anticipated, the pair traded blows over the full championship distance, with Eubank Jr. emerging victorious despite battling through a suspected broken jaw.
With a rematch clause in the contract, fight fans will be calling for a second showdown between the pair, as Benn looks to avenge his loss against his old rival.
“Yeah I want revenge man, I want revenge,” said Benn at the post-fight press conference. “Its hurt me, no one likes to lose, I want to win I don’t work hard to lose, I just need to do better.”
Despite the intense animosity in the buildup to the fight, Benn admitted a newfound respect for Eubank following their gruelling twelve-round battle.
“There is respect obviously we’ve gone twelve rounds together, but he’s Chris ain’t he,” said ‘The Destroyer’ jokingly. “I like him as much as I can given the situation.”
Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn expressed his pride in Benn following the contest and revealed he would like to see him return to the 147lb division in pursuit of a world championship title.
“When I heard the scorecards I couldn’t even be bothered to moan because I was just so proud of him,” said Hearn following the fight. “In defeat even this kid has become a superstar, we’ve got to think about what were going to do next because he showed tonight he’s a world class fighter and he can win titles at 147 and 154.”
Chris Eubank Jr Vs Conor Benn: The Undercard
Former WBO World cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith (21-2, 13KO) prevailed against the aggressive Brandon Glanton (20-3, 17KO) over 12 entertaining rounds to open the card.
The Bournemouth native secured a unanimous decision victory with scorecards of 116-113, 116-112, and 116-112, as the judges favored his cleaner, more precise work over the relentless pressure from the American, who consistently marched forward over the full 36 minutes.
Viddal Riley (13-0, 7KO) claimed North London Derby bragging rights as he beat Arsenal fan Chev Clarke (10-2, 7KO) to claim the British cruiserweight title with a unanimous points decision.
The 27-year-old challenger, with a decorated amateur pedigree, outboxed the champion over 12 rounds, earning the judges’ verdict with scores of 116-112, 117-111, 115-113. It’s likely to be a long time before anyone else associated with Spurs lifts another title at the stadium.
Youth trumped experience as Aaron McKenna (20-0, 10KO) maintained his unbeaten record with a statement performance against veteran Liam Smith (33-5-1, 20KO) to win by unanimous decision with scorecards of 119-108, 117-109 and 118-108.
The Irishman utilised his youth, speed and size advantage to outland Smith over the course of 12 rounds dropping him in the final three minutes with a crushing left-hook to the body to become the new WBA International middleweight champion.
Anthony Yarde (27-3, 24KO) settled his rivalry with Lyndon Arthur (24-3, 16KO) as he picked up a unanimous decision win in their trilogy with scores of 115-113, 116-112 and 116-112.
Both men had their moments of success during the clinches, but as the fight wore on, Yarde began forcing his opponent onto the ropes, with his strength and aggression ultimately swaying the judges. “The Beast from the East” is now the WBA Continental light-heavyweight champion.
