As hype built for the highly anticipated clash between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn, one analyst offered a pointed breakdown of how the fight could play out, arguing it was a bout that would be a battle of two halves. This highly anticipated contest, steeped in generational rivalry, eventually saw both men claim a victory in a thrilling two-fight saga.
Tony Bellew, a respected figure in boxing, gave his insight into the match-up, which hoped to rekindle some fire from the days of Chris Eubank Sr. vs Nigel Benn, one of boxing’s greatest rivalries. Their sons, Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn, finally met in the ring, not once, but twice, creating a modern chapter in their family feud.
The Road to the Ring: Controversy and Context
The path to the first Eubank Jr. vs. Benn fight was fraught with controversy, delaying the initial encounter for over two years. The pair were originally scheduled to fight on October 8, 2022, but the event was cancelled after Conor Benn tested positive for clomifene, a banned substance, in two separate pre-fight drug tests. Benn vehemently maintained his innocence throughout the ordeal. An independent report by the WBC in February 2023 suggested that “highly elevated consumption of eggs” could have been a plausible explanation for the adverse findings, leading to his provisional suspension being lifted. However, Benn himself never publicly endorsed this specific explanation.
The animosity between the two fighters was palpable, reaching a boiling point during a press conference in February 2025. Chris Eubank Jr. famously cracked an egg over Conor Benn’s head, a provocative act referencing the “egg contamination” theory. This stunt resulted in Eubank Jr. being fined a significant £100,000 by the British Boxing Board of Control, a penalty he publicly deemed “a little bit strong.”
Leading into their eventual first fight on April 26, 2025, both fighters had active records. Chris Eubank Jr., born in September 1989, held a professional record of 35 wins and 3 losses with 25 knockouts at the time, primarily competing at middleweight and super-middleweight. His recent form included a TKO win over Kamil Szeremeta in October 2024 and a TKO victory in a rematch against Liam Smith in September 2023, avenging an earlier TKO loss to Smith in January 2023. Conor Benn, born in September 1996, entered the contest with an undefeated record of 23 wins and no losses, with 14 knockouts, primarily campaigning as a welterweight. Since his suspension was lifted, Benn had secured unanimous decision victories over Rodolfo Orozco in September 2023 and Peter Dobson in February 2024.
Bellew’s Pre-Fight Breakdown: A Battle of Two Halves
According to Bellew, Benn needed to dominate the early rounds if he had any hope of victory: “The first six rounds will belong to Conor Benn, [Eubank] will not be able to keep Conor Benn off for six rounds”.
Benn’s explosiveness, aggression and unpredictable attacks were expected to trouble Eubank Jr early, but if the fight stretched beyond those opening rounds, the tide could shift in favour of the more seasoned fighter in Eubank.
“If he is able to absorb what Conor Benn is able to dish out for six rounds, the fight then turns in his favour. That’s when size does come into play,” Bellew added.
Benn, a natural welterweight, moved up to middleweight to face Eubank Jr., who is naturally larger. The pair actively disliked one another, with tensions rising after Eubank cracked an egg over Benn’s head, as previously mentioned.
Eubank believed his dislike for Benn was valid, as Benn attempted to cheat in their first fight which could’ve posed serious risk to his health.
Bellew also revealed: “I don’t think Chris Eubank is the best boxer… technically, he’s not very good. I don’t know where he gets off on thinking he’s the second coming of Roy Jones Jr, because he’s not.”
“Conor knows what he is. He’s reckless, wild, explosive, dynamic—all those things he’s going to need, and a little bit more.”
He summarised: “His only chance is to win in the first six rounds. Eubank really comes into play after that and can wear him down and get rid of him.”
The Fights Unfold: A Rivalry Forged and Avenged
The highly anticipated first encounter between Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn, billed as “Fatal Fury,” took place on April 26, 2025, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. In a dramatic and competitive 12-round contest, Chris Eubank Jr. emerged victorious via unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the bout 116–112 in his favour. While Benn started aggressively and landed significant shots, Eubank Jr. gradually took control, demonstrating superior stamina and experience as the fight progressed.
The rivalry, however, was far from over. A rematch was quickly scheduled and took place on November 15, 2025, once again at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. This time, it was Conor Benn who dominated the fight, securing a decisive unanimous decision victory with scorecards reading 119–107, 116–110, and 118–108. Benn’s performance was a masterclass, culminating in dropping Eubank Jr. twice in the twelfth round, although Eubank Jr. bravely rose to his feet both times before the final bell.
Following the rematch, Tony Bellew offered further analysis, suggesting that Eubank Jr.’s inability to adapt was a key factor in his defeat. Bellew claimed that Eubank Jr. ignored crucial instructions from his trainer, Brian “BoMac” McIntyre, during the fight. “This version of Conor Benn will beat him 10 times out of 10,” Bellew stated, adding, “He can’t deal with boxing someone who is quicker
