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Eubank Jr vs Benn: It’s time for the sons to step out of their father’s shadow and into the spotlight
If you are a British boxing fan, you will have struggled to miss it.
Populating all social media platforms have been moments from the two gladiatorial clashes between Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn from the 1990s to compliment the build-up for tonight’s huge fight on DAZN PPV.
Taking place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, their respective sons, Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn will meet in the third chapter in one of British sport’s most popular rivalries.
Some have been quick to label this contest a gimmick, but with a sold-out Tottenham Hotspur Stadium it is far from it as those in attendance will be a part of history.
With Eubank Jr and Benn yet to reach the top table of boxing’s top table, their father’s names have often carried them through their respective careers so far but now is a chance for them to step out of the shadows and thrive on this huge stage.
Eubank Jr’s family struggles
Mark Robinson/Getty Images
Nigel Benn has been at Conor’s side throughout the build-up to this contest and as expected Eubank Jr has been asked about whether Eubank Sr will be by his side come fight night.
Eubank Jr has been open and honest regarding the relationship with his father revealing that they have not spoken for years. This tension was heightened last week when Eubank Sr labelled his son a “disgrace” when it came to taking the fight and how he has conducted himself.
For Eubank Jr, he has to be given praise for how he has handled being cut off from a family member. Speaking at Thursday’s final press conference, Eubank Jr reflected on the “pain” he is feeling, not just from the struggles of making middleweight, but also the comments made by his father.
“The question I ask myself is, ‘What is pain?’” Eubank Jr said.
“I have a 31-year-old brother, he is buried in the desert in Dubai. That’s pain. I have his son, Raheem, three years old, he asks: ‘Why can’t I see my daddy, why can’t he take me to school?’ That’s pain. My own father, a man I idolised for my entire life, doesn’t speak to me. We haven’t spoken for years. He thinks I’m a disgrace.
“These things are what pain is to me. If I can deal with all of these trials and tribulations, then the weight-cut and the rehydration clause... these are all things that are not an issue.”
Eubank Jr has plenty of motivation ahead of the opening bell. It’s not just the fact that Benn, who Eubank Jr called a “villain” in the build-up, is in the opposite corner, but also the chance to silence his father.
The Eubank name has often been enough to generate plenty of attention for a Eubank Jr fight, now this clash with Benn presents the chance for the 35-year-old to have his breakout moment.
A win for Eubank Jr would not only silence those who claim he cannot deliver in the big fight, it would more importantly silence Eubank Sr and prove that he does not need the British boxing legend by his side for whatever length of time is left inside the boxing ring.
Like father, like son
(Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing)
Unlike Eubank Jr’s camp, Conor Benn and his father Nigel have been side-by-side in the build-up to this fight.
Many experts, fighters past and present have spotted similarities between Conor and Nigel’s fighting style, most notably the fact they both fight on raw emotion.
Do not be surprised to see Benn come charging out of his corner, swinging aplenty in the hope to rock Eubank Jr early. However, this fight also presents an opportunity for Benn to show that he is not just Nigel 2.0.
Eubank Jr has fought much better opposition, there is no doubt when you compare their respective records and is the favourite ahead of fight night. Therefore, Eubank Jr will likely showcase his superior boxing ability, but if Benn can prove that he can box too, he will earn plenty of plaudits.
While Nigel will always be ever present during Conor Benn’s career, there will come a point where Benn has to forge his own path and not rely on family legacy.
While a win over Eubank Jr will see his family’s legacy enhanced, it might be just the platform Benn needs to announce himself as his own man and not just Nigel Benn’s son.
There is no doubt as DAZN’s live coverage begins this evening, there will be endless reference to the two fights between Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn, but these will become obsolete come the referee’s final instructions when Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn are facing each other.
As both men wander back to their corners, the ring will become a lonely place and their father’s name will no longer be able to affect what will transpire over a possible 12 rounds.
Instead, the opening bell will sound, and finally British fight fans will find out whether Eubank Jr or Benn can finally step out of their father’s shadows and into the boxing spotlight.
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.
