Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn are set to reignite the ‘Eubank – Benn’ rivalry this Saturday (October 8th) at the 02 arena, almost 30 years on from their father’s iconic second fight.
History
Eubank Snr and Benn Snr captivated the nation with two showdowns in the early 1990s, with the first fight ending with a win for Eubank and the second as a draw in front of a capacity of 42,000 at Old Trafford football stadium.
Boxing fans will be in for a spectacle this weekend if a fraction of the father’s desire to win has been fed down to their sons. In the build-up to the first fight in 1990, differences in personality led to compulsive viewing by the UK fans.
Eubank’s more eccentric and arrogant persona compared to Benn’s straight talking and ruthlessness led to back and forth arguing between the pair where Benn stated” I personally do hate this man” in response to Eubank saying, “he has no class” and “finds the man intolerable.”
Next Gen
Chris ‘Next Gen’ Eubank Jnr,33, is an experienced cruiserweight who boasts an impressive record of 32-2-0. The Brighton born star last fought in April and impressed with a victory against Liam Williams.
Eubank’s relaxed approach towards the upcoming fight has raised many eyebrows as he has been pictured out eating buckets of KFC chicken and chocolate birthday cake.
Roy Jones Jr ,53, four-weight world champion and former coach of Chris Eubank Jr has questioned Eubank’s approach of underestimating Benn. Leading up to the fight he said, “I don’t think Eubank does respect Benn’s power and that’s the only thing that scares me a little bit.”
‘60% BABY’
Eubank’s larger frame and strength has made him a favorite for the upcoming fight although the catchweight of 157 pounds has worried some in the boxing industry about whether he will be able to make the weight cut and fight to his full capabilities.
Eubank himself has expressed that he will only be ‘60%’ (recently wearing a t shirt displaying 60% BABY on more than one occasion) of his full strength come fight night but believes that will be sufficient.
The most concerned is Eubank Sr who has called upon the boxing industry to boycott the fight with Benn. Former fighter Spencer Fearon revealed on his podcast that with a phone call with Eubank Sr he said ‘I’ve already lost one son. I don’t want to lose another one.’ This comes after Sebastian Eubank tragically died from a heart attack in July 2021 at the age of 29.
Unfinished business
Essex born Conor Benn, 26, is on a hot winning streak with three of his last four fights having been decided by KO or TKO. The undefeated fighter with a record of 21-0-0 (14 KO), is looking to add another knockout to his record and believes the fight will not go the distance. His recent performances against Chris van Heerden and Chris Algieri have him being one of the most feared and top welterweights.
The destroyer’s motive to move up ten pounds and fight Eubank at 157 pounds is more than just money it is about heritage. Benn has said “To me this fight is personal – it’s more than titles and rankings, this is unfinished business between our families!
“All I know is that from my side, this will be an all-out war, last man standing kind of fight. Neither will give up until the last bell rings.”
Benn has taken himself, a few trainers plus his father, who plans to be in his son’s corner on October 8th away to a training camp in The Isle of Wight UK.
Fan View
Across the UK are divided on who they think will win the fight. Boxing fan, Ibraheem Iqbal 21, from East London said “I think it’ll be a one-sided fight with Eubank stopping Benn inside 8 rounds. There are weight classes in boxing for a reason and it’s too much of a challenge to move up two weight classes to fight somebody, who has every natural advantage.”
Tale of Tape
Conor Benn Chris Eubank Jr
Nationality: British Nationality: British
Born: September 28, 1996 Born: September 18, 1989
Height: 5’8” Height: 5’11”
Reach: 68.1 inches Reach: 72.4 inches
Total fights: 21 Total fights: 34
Record: 21-0, 14 wins by knockout. Record: 32-2, 23 wins by knockout.
Stance: Orthodox (R) Stance: Orthodox (R)
Edited by Malachi Gowie
