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Eubank Jr vs Benn: Five of the biggest talking points ahead of tonight's fight
Chris Eubank Jr’s much-anticipated showdown with Conor Benn is almost upon us – and what a fight it promises to be.
In a bout dripping with subplots and intrigue, DAZN News examines the key talking points surrounding the clash at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday night.
Bad blood
Where else to start? The build-up to the fight has been dominated by the hostilities between the two fighters.
It can be traced back to their original scheduled bout in October 2022 which was cancelled after Benn failed two voluntary drugs tests for the female fertility drug clomiphene.
Eubank Jr has since branded Benn a “cheat” and smashed an egg against his face at a press conference in February.
They have traded insults again in fight week and at Thursday’s press conference Eubank Jr accused Benn, who based his training camp in Spain, of “fleeing” the UK.
“He knew he couldn’t handle the pressure of the UK streets and have people shouting drug cheat and egg jokes,” added Eubank Jr.
It might be a slight exaggeration to say Eubank Jr and Benn genuinely hate each other – but it wouldn’t be too far wide of the mark.
Weight issue
Mark Robinson / Matchroom Boxing
Thursday’s final media conference before the fight saw Benn aim vicious jibes at Eubank Jr over his weight.
He branded his rival “fat boy” while Eubank Jr admitted he was in severe physical pain as he sought to make the 160lb limit.
On Friday morning, Eubank Jr was hit with a whopping six-figure fine after missing weight.
He tipped the scales at 160.2lbs, before a second effort of 160.05lbs.
Benn – who has operated at welterweight for most of his career – came in lighter than expected at 156.4lbs.
Eubank and Benn are both bound by a rehydration clause that prohibits them from weighing more than 170lbs on Saturday morning.
Family feuds and legacies
History is a big part of the rivalry between Eubank Jr and Benn following their fathers’ legendary bouts against each other over 30 years ago.
They fought twice in 1990 and 1993, with Eubank Sr clinching a ninth-round TKO victory against Nigel Benn in the pair’s first bout before the two fought to a draw three years later.
It was a deep-seated, iconic rivalry at what felt like a golden era for British boxing.
Now it is their sons’ turn to continue – and perhaps finally settle – the feud between the warring families.
Career defining?
Eubank Jr has hinted that he could retire if he does not beat Benn on Saturday night.
But he has also declared himself confident of emerging victorious, so if all goes to plan then he can look forward to the next chapter of his career.
Eubank Jr has made it clear that Canelo Alvarez is a major target and his promoter, Ben Shalom, has also been vocal about landing a showdown with the Mexican icon for his man.
That contest can only become a reality if Eubank Jr is dominant against Benn, who has also been linked with a shot at Canelo should he prevail on Saturday night.
If Eubank Jr does not win, then the previous scrutiny on his career – the nearly man who always falls short – will carry much more weight.
A lofty purse, a congested stadium, and a huge PPV audience will convince Eubank Jr he is still a major draw and huge name this weekend.
As for Benn, he is unbeaten with a perfect 23-0 record and, aged 28, has time on his side.
This is a fight that neither could bear to lose to the other and tarnish the legacy of their famous fathers.
Defeat is unthinkable – for both men.
No Chris Eubank Sr
Julian Finney/Getty Images
Chris Eubank Jr spoke of the anguish at being estranged from his father during Thursday’s press conference.
While Nigel Benn will be in Conor Benn’s corner and do the ring walk with him on Saturday night, the Eubanks have no relationship.
Eubank Sr has not been in his son’s corner since 2019 and publicly voiced his disapproval in 2022 about the original scheduled bout taking place.
He felt it should not be allowed and Eubank Jr also revealed that the death of his brother Sebastian, at the age of 29 in 2021, “destroyed a large part of the relationship”, due to the added strain put on the family.
Speaking on Thursday, Eubank Jr admitted: “My own father, a man I idolised for my entire life, and he doesn't speak to me.
“We haven’t spoken for years and he thinks I’m a disgrace. These things are what pain is to me.”
Watch three incredible fight nights in one week only on DAZN
Fight fans are in for a treat at the end of April / start of May, with three amazing fight cards within seven days - and DAZN PPV is the only place to watch them all.
- April 26: Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn
- May 2: Ryan Garcia vs Rolly Romero; Devin Haney vs Jose Ramirez; Teofimo Lopez vs Arnold Barboza Jr.
- May 3: Canelo Alvarez vs William Scull
Arch rivals Eubank Jr and Benn finally go head-to-head to start the exhilarating week, with PPV prices at £19.95 in the UK; $24.99 in the US; €24.99 in Europe.
Garcia vs. Romero and Canelo vs. Scull fight nights follow, which will both be exclusively on DAZN. Fight fans can purchase either fight individually for $59.99 US; £/€21.99 UK/IRE; ROW - $24.99 per PPV or take advantage of the DAZN Knockout Weekend Bundle where both fights can be purchased for $90 US; £34.99 in the UK and €34.99 in Europe.
