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Chris Eubank Jr edges Conor Benn as modern British classic lives up to the hype
Chris Eubank Jr edged Conor Benn in their eagerly-anticipated grudge match on Saturday night, as the pair played out a modern British classic at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The veteran fighter saw off his younger rival by unanimous decision in north London, recording scores of 116-112 from all three judges to secure victory before a sell-out crowd.
For the star, the result ensured the family name remains unbeaten against Benn, following his father Chris Eubank Sr's win and draw with Nigel Benn over three decades ago.
The former man unexpectedly reunited with his estranged son before the bout, and accompanied him to the ring, in one of the boxing stories of the year so far.
It proved to be a tough evening for Benn, two-and-a-half years on from the date set for the pair's first bout, as he fell to a first professional loss at the hands of his bitter rival.
The welterweight can take credit from an impressive performance of his own however, having jumped up two divisions to more than play his part in a thrillingly frenetic encounter.
DAZNConcerns faced by Eubank Jr over a missed weight cut and a rehydration clause ultimately proved to be unfounded, but the star will nevertheless revel in this moment of triumph.
There was certainly no shortage of pomp and circumstance in the prelude to this domestic battle, with the pair's ringwalks both elaborate multi-media events in their own right.
Benn, in a sparkling hooded jacket and flanked by his father, was serenaded to the centre of the crowd by a vocal chorus performing Ready or Not by the Fugees.
Eubank Jr meanwhile arrived in a suede robe, alongside his dad, first to Tina Turner's The Best and then a string quartet-aided take on Dr. Dre's Still D.R.E. , his usual anthem.
Extra formalities from legendary announcer Michael Buffer feting the senior Eubank and Benn further ramped up the anticipation as a dramatic light show filled the stadium too.
Both men were roundly cheered and booed in similar measure by the crowd upon the announcement of their names too, adding to the theatrical pantomime of the whole event.
Pre-fight promises from promoters of a "wild shootout" appeared well-founded in a smaller-than-usual ring, with both men launching energetic salvos in a lively first round.
The hostilities did not abate amid the intervals either, with choice words lobbed across from each star as they returned to their corners after some ferocious exchanges.
Benn looked to use his lithe frame and footwork to help him land his shots and he caught his opponent with several smart hooks and jabs across the opening stages.
That explosive pace mostly looked to give the younger man the edge before the pair tumbled to the canvas together in the third, with both back to their feet in a flash.
But Eubank Jr burst to life in the fourth, landing a succession of blows including a brutal uppercut to help swing momentum back his way, bringing the crowd onside for a beat.
The veteran fighter followed that up in the fifth with a move where his opponent flew across the canvas, with Benn flipping himself back onto his soles like a jack-in-the-box.
Hopes of a first-half knockout for either looked to have faded in the sixth, even as the pair continued to flash their gloves towards each other on a relatively even keel.
Eubank Jr was addressed on multiple occasions for blows to the back of the head, but that did not stop him from dishing out some top shots in the seventh to match Benn too.
The older fighter looked to increasingly have the measure of his foe across the eighth too, but a fierce combo exchange with the younger man against the ropes kept it tight.
With the fight approaching the final few rounds, Benn sought to try and restore the pace and accuracy he displayed early, with Eubank Jr. cut above the right eye in the melee.
That almost bore fruit in the tenth as he staggered his rival, but even gasping for air, the latter still returned with enough handiwork of his own to stay afloat and on his feet.
The eleventh saw the pendulum swing again, as Eubank Jr. took his opportunity to launch a flurry of blows to the head and body, even as Benn returned with his right hand.
With the closing round upon them, neither man sought to leave anything out there, and fired everything they had left, with both raising their arms in celebration at the final bell.
Benn was hoisted onto his father's shoulders and spoke with Eubank Sr as both men waited for the scorecards to be read out after a marathon contest that tested their limits.
Ultimately, it was Eubank Jr who was crowned the victor, as he roared to the sky in celebration and his rival leaned slumped against the ropes to contemplate the shockwaves of the night.
More Eubank Jr. vs Benn coverage
- Chris Eubank Jr reunites with father Chris Eubank Sr ahead of Conor Benn grudge match
- Anthony Yarde claims trilogy bout triumph over Lyndon Arthur in bruising encounter
- Aaron McKenna dominates Liam Smith to anoint credentials as middleweight future
- Viddal Riley outpoints Cheavon Clarke in slippery contest to claim British cruiserweight title
- Chris Billam-Smith gets two-time world title dream back on track with Brandon Glanton victory
