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Eubank Jr vs Benn: Timeline of what their fathers have said about the mega-fight
Since their originally scheduled bout in 2022, the war of words between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn has been relentless. But the tension surrounding this fight goes beyond the sons – their legendary fathers have played a major part in reigniting this cross-generational grudge match.
Here’s how the rivalry has evolved – and what Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn have said along the way.
Fantasy fight – 2021
Talk of a potential bout between Eubank Jr and Benn started gaining momentum in 2021. Conor Benn had just secured the biggest win of his career, delivering a fourth-round knockout of former world champion Chris Algieri.
Eubank Jr, meanwhile, was rebuilding his career following a 2018 loss to George Groves, notching four victories including a notable win over James DeGale.
That year, Nigel Benn appeared on iFL TV and reflected on his son’s future – mentioning David Avanesyan and even Terence Crawford as potential opponents. But when asked about Eubank Jr, he insisted that rivalry was best left in the past.
“They are talking about Avanesyan,” Benn told iFL TV in 2021. “And they have written in the paper today about Chris Eubank Jr. Where did that come from… where did that come from? You know, you look at it and I really wanted it to die with me and Chris [Eubank Sr.].”
The fight is on – 2022
On 10 August 2022, it was officially announced that Eubank Jr and Benn would meet at the O2 Arena on 8 October – reigniting one of British boxing’s most iconic rivalries.
Both Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn were vocal in the media. Nigel appeared to change his stance, now supporting the fight. But Eubank Sr was outraged – citing the dangers of the sport and his own past with Michael Watson. In an emotional interview with the Evening Standard, he addressed his former rival directly.
“This is not just a game to make a big splash,” Eubank said. “This is life and death. Gerald McClellan is real, Nigel – you did that to him. I did that to Michael Watson; I didn’t want to do that. You can’t do this to my son.”
Nigel Benn responded: “We’re in the fight business. It was your son that made the decision, stop blaming everyone else. Your son made the decision – he’s 32 years old. You say it’s life and death, but it’s also a sport and we all chose it to give us a good life and status. I’m not going in there to maim the guy, but it is a contact sport. The fight’s been made and the contract signed.”
Aftermath and reflection – 2024
Following the cancellation of the 2022 fight, both Eubank Jr and Benn remained active – fighting several times through 2023 and into 2024. In late 2024, after Eubank Jr’s win over Kamil Szeremeta in Saudi Arabia, Benn entered the ring post-fight and the pair faced off – reigniting public interest.
Eubank Sr, appearing on Up Front with Simon Jordan, once again voiced his opposition.
“It’s straight attempted murder,” he said, referencing the originally agreed weight limit of 157lbs. “He [Eubank Jr] can’t get down to 160lbs now without being in a position where he doesn’t have punch resistance – I am protecting my son, I love my son, I don’t want to lose another son.”
He added: “Come on, leave my son alone,” directing the comment at Nigel Benn.
Benn, appearing on the same podcast a month earlier, struck a different tone. He remained in favour of the fight – and saw it as a financial and strategic opportunity.
“Fighting Eubank – yes, because the money we are talking about, it’s trebled, Simon. When it’s your son, all you [Conor] want to do is five or six fights, and I would like to see you out of the game.”
Fight on, again – 2025
On 25 January 2025, the long-delayed fight was officially rescheduled for 26 April – this time at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Nigel Benn has since offered his full support. He’s attended press events with his son and was quoted by Ring Magazine sounding excited and confident.
“I can’t see it going past three or four rounds. Two ex-world champions watching their sons going at it – it’s never been done before. We are really excited about it, I can’t wait, I really can’t wait.”
In contrast, Chris Eubank Sr has remained firmly opposed. Notably absent from press conferences, he again made headlines with a fiery interview on iFL TV.
“This is a disgrace, and if you don’t think this is a disgrace – fight me. I said it and you all need to say it to actually make the Boxing Board of Control do something. We can’t run amok. We are not a country of baboons.”
Legacy and loyalty
Three decades after their iconic rivalry, the sons of Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn will finally step into the ring. But if there’s one thing the timeline makes clear, it’s this: the emotions run just as deep now as they did in the 1990s – and the fathers are still in the fight, whether they like it or not.
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.
