LONDON – The latest twist in a storied British boxing rivalry saw Chris Eubank Jr. clinch a unanimous victory over Conor Benn in a middleweight match held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday. In a battle more than 30 years in the making, Eubank handed Benn his first professional loss in a clash that revived the intense family feud.
Eubank, with a record of 35-3, outperformed Benn (23-1) as the three judges awarded Eubank a 116-112 score in the spirited 12-round contest. A crowd of 67,484 boxing enthusiasts were present to witness the non-title battle under the dazzling stadium lights.
Reflecting on the intense encounter, Eubank, aged 35, admitted, “I didn’t know he had what he had in him. I underestimated him.”
More than three decades ago, history witnessed Chris Eubank Sr. triumph over Nigel Benn in Birmingham with a ninth-round stoppage to claim the WBO middleweight championship in November 1990. Their rematch, an equally charged event at Old Trafford in 1993, attracted 45,000 fans and concluded in a split-decision draw.
Both legendary fathers attended Saturday’s event, with the unexpected presence of Chris Eubank Sr. joining his son on the way to the ring. Their previous unease seemed put aside, as earlier criticisms from Eubank Sr. characterized his son’s behavior as “a disgrace,” and Eubank Jr. acknowledged they were not on speaking terms. Nonetheless, Eubank Jr. expressed joy at reconciling with his father, stating, “I’m happy to have this man back with me. Onwards and upwards.”
In support, Eubank Sr. remarked, “That’s my son. That’s why I’m here. I was always going to be here.”
Plans for the sons’ bout initially set for 2022 were abandoned due to a positive voluntary urine test from Benn, which revealed traces of Clomiphene, a banned drug known to increase testosterone levels while aiding weight loss. Benn successfully argued that his elevated testosterone was due to his consumption of eggs.
At their inaugural media meeting, Eubank cracked an egg on Benn’s face, an action that resulted in a costly fine of 100,000 pounds ($130,000) by the British Boxing Board of Control.
Typically a welterweight, the 28-year-old Benn stepped up two divisions for the major fight, having last competed over a year ago. Reflecting on the outcome, Benn commented, “Maybe 14 months out of the ring played a factor. I believe I can fight at 160 (pounds). I’d love to avenge that loss.”
Nigel Benn offered advice, stating his son “was working too much on the ropes” but reassured him with, “You come back stronger. We can handle defeat gracefully. We go back to the drawing board.”