Explore boxing’s greatest father-son legacies, from Eubank and Benn to Mayweather and Chavez

In a sport where legacy is often forged in sweat, sacrifice and the sharp sting of leather, some families have managed to produce not just one but two generations of elite fighters.

Across decades and weight divisions, a select group of father-son duos have stepped into the ring – each carving their own path while carrying the weight of a shared name.

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Leon and Cory Spinks

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Leon Spinks had a storied career as a professional – pulling off one of the most shocking heavyweight upsets of all time in 1978, beating Muhammad Ali by split decision to claim the WBC world heavyweight championship in only his eighth fight.

He remains the only man to ever take a world title belt from Ali in the ring.

Before turning professional, Spinks also had a glittering amateur career, the highlight being an Olympic gold medal at light-heavyweight in Montreal in 1976.

His son, Cory Spinks, continued the family legacy by becoming a two-weight world champion. He unified the welterweight division with back-to-back wins over Michele Piccirillo and Ricardo Mayorga, becoming undisputed champion.

After losing the belts to Zab Judah, Spinks later captured the IBF super-welterweight title via majority decision.

Julio Cesar Chavez and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr

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Julio Cesar Chavez is widely considered one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in boxing history. His records include the most successful world title defences (27), most title fight victories (31), and the most world title fights (37). He also went unbeaten in his first 89 professional bouts – a streak only ended in 1994.

Chavez won world titles in three divisions and shared the ring with the likes of Pernell Whitaker, Meldrick Taylor, Oscar De La Hoya and Hector Camacho.

The pressure was immense when Julio Cesar Chavez Jr turned professional. While comparisons to his father have sometimes overshadowed him, Chavez Jr built a solid career of his own – capturing the WBC middleweight title in 2011 and defending it three times. He currently holds a record of 54-6.

Floyd Mayweather Sr and Floyd Mayweather Jr

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Floyd Mayweather Sr didn’t claim world honours as a fighter, though he did famously share the ring with Sugar Ray Leonard in a losing effort. His true legacy lies in coaching – popularising the shoulder roll and developing a stable of elite fighters including Ricky Hatton, Oscar De La Hoya and Joan Guzman.

Of course, his most famous pupil was his son. Trained from childhood, Floyd Mayweather Jr would become the face of modern boxing, retiring with a perfect 50-0 record. Across a 20-year professional career, he claimed world titles in five weight classes, from super-featherweight to super-welterweight, without ever being knocked down.

Mayweather Jr defeated some of the greatest names of his era, including Manny Pacquiao, Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto, Ricky Hatton and a young Canelo Alvarez – all while building a global brand around his image and defensive brilliance.

Nigel and Conor Benn

Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

Nigel Benn was one of the most feared fighters of the 1980s and 90s. Nicknamed 'The Dark Destroyer', he knocked out 35 of his 42 professional opponents and became a world champion in two divisions. He claimed the WBO middleweight title in 1990 with a win over Doug DeWitt and later became WBC super-middleweight champion in 1992.

That same year, he faced off in a legendary rivalry with Chris Eubank – a feud that defined a generation of British boxing.

Conor Benn, following in his father’s footsteps, is still rising but has already made his mark with an aggressive, high-pressure style. Carrying the same 'Destroyer' nickname, he’s unbeaten and hungry for a world title shot – but first must face another second-generation fighter in Chris Eubank Jr.

Their upcoming fight is fuelled by history – not just their own ambitions, but the unfinished business of their fathers.

Chris Eubank Sr and Chris Eubank Jr

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Chris Eubank Sr was a divisive figure in his prime, with his eccentric demeanour and theatrical mannerisms frustrating fans. But his talent was undeniable – he was a two-weight world champion, known for his iron chin, explosive power and ring intelligence.

Eubank Jr, for much of his early career, was seen as a future world champion in waiting. With his father frequently by his side at press conferences and weigh-ins, the family brand remained intact. While Eubank Jr is yet to capture a recognised world title, he has shared the ring with top-level opposition including George Groves, Billy Joe Saunders and James DeGale – the latter whom he defeated.

At 35, Eubank Jr still hopes to follow in his father’s footsteps by claiming a world championship. A win over Conor Benn in their cross-generational grudge match could be his final launchpad to do just that.

And don’t forget! Muhammad and Laila Ali

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While not a father-son duo, it would be remiss not to mention the most famous name in boxing – and the pioneering daughter who carried the torch. Muhammad Ali needs no introduction: The Greatest was not only a three-time heavyweight world champion but a cultural icon who reshaped the sport and the world’s perception of it.

His daughter, Laila Ali, made her own mark in the sport. Undefeated across 24 professional bouts, she held multiple world titles and helped legitimise women’s boxing at a time when it was still fighting for recognition. Strong, charismatic and technically sharp, she built her own legacy while honouring her father’s – an inspirational chapter in boxing’s family history.

 

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 .