Why Chris Eubank Jr will be bursting with pride and motivation in grudge rematch with Conor Benn

Chris Eubank Sr took centre stage at The Pelligon on Canary Wharf waterfront on Thursday evening.

“I’m here to support, I’m here to protect my son,” he said.

“In regards to the love of a son, if a father takes money, nothing wrong with that.

“If a father doesn’t take money, study that. I am here for heart and love.”

It was the final press conference ahead of the rematch between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn on Saturday night, live on DAZN PPV.

BUY NOW HERE: Eubank Jr. vs Benn II live and exclusive on DAZN PPV for £24.99 / $59.99

Eubank Sr was addressing claims he had been paid to attend their bout in April, but the love for his son was clear.

The contrast to the build-up in the first fight could not have been greater.

Seven months ago, he publicly branded his son a “disgrace” after Jr slapped Benn with an egg during a face-off.

Their relationship had broken down, and they had not spoken for four years.

The tension began in 2019, when Eubank Jr. sent his father a letter explaining that he would be reducing his role as his trainer, and it continued to fester in the build-up to April’s fight.

Benn viciously taunted Eubank Jr beforehand, saying: “Chris can say what he wants, but the bottom line is his dad don't even like him.

“You could not pay that man enough money to sit in this man’s corner.

“Now that’s an accomplishment, Chris. Most unlikeable geezer on the planet, even your own dad don’t like you.”

That felt cruel at the time, but fast-forward a few weeks, and it was Eubank Jr. – and his dad – who had the last laugh.

Eubank Jr was a clear winner on points in the first fight, with all three judges scoring the contest 116-112 in his favour.

But one of the major talking points was the presence of his father at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

They reconciled via text message just 24 hours before the eagerly anticipated showdown, and Eubank Sr was right alongside his son as he arrived to face Benn on April 26.

Their relationship has strengthened since then, and that much was clear at Thursday’s press conference.

The love and support of his father clearly mean everything to Eubank Jr, but he will go into Saturday’s fight on the back of some huge personal news.

For it was revealed earlier this week that the 36-year-old is to become a father for the first time, with his partner expecting twin boys.

In a new BBC film, the Eubanks open up about their split and very public reconciliation, as well as what their mended relationship looks like now.

In a poignant moment in the film, Eubank Jr tells his father he will soon be a grandfather to twin boys.

Reacting to the news, Eubank Sr struggled to contain his excitement and fist pumped the air in excitement, while shouting in celebration: "Rastafari reach. That is what you call success."

It was a touching scene that confirmed the strength of their relationship.

That support from his old man, along with his impending fatherhood, should give Eubank Jr all the motivation he needs to perform on Saturday night.

Watch Eubank Jr. vs Benn 2 only on DAZN

Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn's much-anticipated rematch is live and exclusive on DAZN PPV on Saturday, November 15. Buy the PPV for £24.99 UK / $59.99 US. 

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