Mini Preview: Ring IV

On Saturday, November 22nd, the Boxing world will set its sights on Riyadh, Saudi Arabia where a card held under the Ring Magazine banner called Ring IV will take place and can be seen worldwide on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN  either as a standalone pay-per-view offering or included in the recently launched DAZN Ultimate subscription plan. The card will feature four world title bouts and in a bit of a departure from how pre-fight content is usually penned by yours truly here on The Boxing Truth®️, given the depth of the card, this will be a micro preview of sorts with a brief look at each world title bout, all four fights will be scheduled for twelve rounds.

Main Event: WBC World Light-Heavyweight championship David Benavidez defending against Anthony Yarde

The top of the bill will see unbeaten two-division world champion David Benavidez defending his Light-Heavyweight world title against multi-time world title challenger Anthony Yarde. This will mark Benavidez’ first defense of the WBC world championship in the 175lb. Light-Heavyweight division following previous undisputed world champion Dmitry Bivol vacated the title earlier this year due to recovering from injuries following two fights with former champion Artur Beterbiev, whom he traded wins of the undisputed championship.

In his last fight, Benavidez overcame a knockdown in the eleventh round to score a convincing twelve round unanimous decision over top contender David Morrell in February of this year. This was a brief moment of vulnerability for Benavidez in that he has consistently dominated most of his previous opponents. While he did mostly defeat Morrell clearly, that brief knockdown may have given some an impression that he can be caught, especially in the latter stages of a fight.

In Anthony Yarde, Benavidez will face an opponent that has had two previous attempts at a world title. With a record of 27-3, with 24 Knockouts, Yarde does have an 88% career knockout percentage to the champion's 30-0, with 24 Knockouts with an 80% career knockout percentage. 

What these statistics indicate is the better than average possibility that this fight will not go the distance. A potential red flag for the challenger is that he has been stopped in his two previous world title challenges and the question going into this fight will be whether he can withstand the volume punching and pressure of Benavidez, particularly since those two stoppage losses. 

WBO World Welterweight championship Brian Norman Jr. defends his world title against unbeaten former two-division world champion Devin Haney

Undefeated Brian Norman Jr. will be making the third defense of his WBO world title against the undefeated Devin Haney, who will be attempting to win a world title in a third weight class after previously being an undisputed world champion in the 135lb. Lightweight division and a world champion in the 140lb. Jr. Welterweight division.Norman, who became a world champion by being elevated from being a mandatory challenger to world champion following former Undisputed Welterweight world champion Terence Crawford vacating all his championships and moving out of the Welterweight division. Since that time the champion, who will enter this title defense with a record of 28-0, with 22 Knockouts, will also enter on a three fight knockout streak.

Although Norman has shown in recent fights, the type of fight ending punching power that turns heads and generates buzz, most would concede that this is the most significant test of his career thus far in the former two-division world champion Devin Haney. Haney, who will enter with a record of 32-0, with 15 Knockouts is known as a well-balanced, elusive boxer/puncher that can do a little of everything. Haney, however, despite his aforementioned accomplishments, is on a bit of a redemption tour following his fight with Ryan Garcia in April 2023. In that fight, Haney was dominated and knocked down multiple times before initially losing a twelve round unanimous decision. The discrepancy that led to Haney’s unbeaten record being restored to unbeaten came when Garcia tested positive for a banned substance following the fight resulting in his suspension and the outcome being changed to a no contest. In his last outing, Haney scored a dreadful twelve round unanimous decision over Juan Carlos Ramirez in Times Square in New York City in May this year. 

While Haney did what he had to do  in that fight, a question here will be whether or not a priority for Haney will be to try and be more entertaining for both fans and the promoter of this card Turki Al-Sheikh, chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, and owner of Ring Magazine, which this card is being promoted under. It can be difficult to balance doing what you need to do to succeed and being a type of entertaining fighter that not only draws the eyes of fans to your fights, but also encourages promoters like Turki Al-Sheikh to continue to invest in you as a fighter. 

Although the result of the fight against Garcia was expunged from his record and his unbeaten status restored, what happened in that fight, particularly Garcia’s approach and how Haney responded to both consistent pressure and power shots Garcia was able to land with success will likely play into Norman’s strategy as this fight approaches. The main objective for the champion will be to apply pressure on Haney from the outset and try to cut the ring off from him to minimize his movement and get in on the inside where he could do damage. It goes without saying that against a fighter of Haney’s  skillset, elusiveness, hand speed, and counter punching ability, it is a task that can be easier said than done, but Norman must be cautious and tactical in his approach at all times. If he allows Haney to find a consistent rhythm for any significant period, the fight could get away from him in terms of points quickly.

Vacant WBO World Lightweight championship Abdullah Mason faces Sam Noakes

In the second of three undefeated versus undefeated encounters on this card, the number one and number two contenders in the World Boxing Organization’s Lightweight ratings. Abdullah Mason and Sam Noakes will meet for the vacant WBO World Lightweight championship previously held by Keyshawn Davis.

While both are unbeaten and both have career knockout percentages of nearly 90%, the perception of at least some is that this will be a showcase and a coronation for Mason. The basis of this perception is Mason, who will enter with a record of 19-0, with 17 Knockouts,has had a quick rise up the ladder and arguably has done so with the benefit of the spotlight of ESPN as a platform that his promoter, the Hall of Famer Bob Arum’s Top Rank Inc. recently concluded an eight year broadcast pact. While his promoter continues to look for a new platform for the future, this fight obviously represents the opportunity for Mason to go from fast rising prospect turned contender to world champion.

Despite the perception many have going into this fight, Sam Noakes does have a similar resume as Mason. Noakes, who will enter this encounter with a record of 17-0, with 15 Knockouts, is a former British, Commonwealth, and comes into this fight as the current European Lightweight champion. 

Although much of the focus going into this bout is focused on Mason, the credentials alone along with the similar resume in comparison that Noakes brings with him to a fight of this magnitude should indicate to any objective observer, at least on paper, before a single punch is thrown between these two fighters, this seems to be a much more even fight than the perceptions of some would suggest. Given the similarity between the two in being able to score quick knockouts, what interests this observer will be who will take the initiative early on and try to press the issue and what will also be interesting here will be if one or both fighters will be forced to adjust their approach as the fight progresses. While much like the main event, the career knockout percentages of these two fighters would suggest a better than average possibility that this does not go the distance, both fighters are likely aware of what the other can do and as such, there may be a healthy respect between the two that could result in a tactical albeit hesitant approach for both at least early in the fight. When you have two “Knockout Artists” facing each other, it goes without saying truly anything can happen and one should not look away during this fight.

WBC/WBO World Jr. Bantamweight world championship Jesse Rodriguez defends his unified crown against WBA number one contender Fernando Martinez 

Rounding out the undefeated versus undefeated bouts on this card Jesse Rodriguez will make the eighth defense of his crown against current WBA number one contender and former IBF World Jr. Bantamweight world champion Fernando Martinez. While this represents another chapter in the career of Jesse Rodriguez as one of the sport’s rising stars, particularly being a fighter that can shine a spotlight on some of the lightest weight classes here in the United States, anyone who is knowledgeable of the lightest divisions Boxing has to offer, knows that the competition level is consistently high and there is no shortage of world-class opposition.

This is a case where Rodriguez, who will enter this title defense with a record of 22-0, with 15 Knockouts, will have more experience than his challenger Fernando Martinez, who comes in with a record of 18-0, with 9 Knockouts. While Martinez briefly held the IBF world title in this division, he currently holds an Interim/Regular championship designation in the WBA Jr. Bantamweight ratings. What this will likely be at least on paper is an encounter between two boxer/punchers where the perception is likely that the champion has an advantage when it comes to punching power. It will be up to the Argentine Martinez to show that this will not merely be regarded as a chapter in the story of a potential future Hall of Fame career of Rodriguez. How the challenger can accomplish that remains to be seen, but seeing as Rodriguez is coming off two straight knockout wins, the approach could be to try and dictate the tempo of combat where the intent is to try and keep the champion from finding a consistent rhythm. Rodriguez has quick hands and tends to throw punches in combination so it is a difficult task for Martinez to attempt to tackle, but Martinez has shown previously to be a very capable boxer, so it is a task he is likely looking forward to. 

Ultimately, Ring IV like the previous three events held under the Ring Magazine banner and the upcoming Ring V event in December offers a little of everything for just about any Boxing fan. What fight or fights end up standing out when all is said and done remains to be seen. 

“And That's The Boxing Truth.”

Ring IV takes place on Saturday, November 22nd at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The entire card can be seen globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN as either a standalone pay-per-view offering for $59.99 or included with the recently introduced DAZN Ultimate subscription plan for $44.99 per month or $449 per year. The card will begin at 3PM ET/12PM PT.(*North American Prices and Start Times Only*) 

(*Card and Start Times Subject To Change.*)

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, availability around the world, local start times and pricing in your area, to order this event or to learn about the DAZN Ultimate subscription plan please visit: www.DAZN.com. 

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Will DAZN's New "Ultimate" Approach Win Over Both Current And Former Subscribers Tired Of Paying Pay-Per-View Prices?

Credit: DAZN

The most consistent topic of Boxing coverage penned by yours truly over the last several years, particularly here on The 

Boxing Truth® ️ has been on the sport’s reliance, despite consistent evidence of decline, on the pay-per-view model and the subsequent need to move away from said model, especially with the rise of digital subscription-based streaming. Without doing a complete refresher as by this point there have been many columns written by this observer that serve as an accurate chronicle of how we have gotten to the present time and topic. What is the topic of this writing the reader might ask? the revamp of sorts for digital subscription-based streaming network DAZN.

As some may recall the network, which launched in 2016 internationally, made a significant expansion into the United States in 2018, which coincided with what turned out to be a significant shift not just in Boxing, but for sports overall as shortly before DAZN entered the United States, ESPN, a major presence in the country as a sports network across cable and satellite television, launched its first attempt at a direct to consumer streaming network ESPN+, (Now ESPN Unlimited) while before the end of 2018, the former network of champions HBO, the one time power broker in Boxing and a major player in pay-per-view, exited the sport after forty-five years.

Upon its entry into the U.S. market and essentially positioning itself as the network that would assume the position that HBO was vacating in the sport, DAZN made a bold claim that it would end the pay-per-view model by going with a strictly subscription-based approach that was more consumer-friendly than the aforementioned model. A strategy that this observer was openly supportive of. Not because I had any vested interest in DAZN, but as one who has covered Boxing and other combat sports dating back to the mid-1990’s and had been familiar with pay-per-view as a child, I saw a model that went from occasional use for legitimate major events in the sport that were at an affordable price point, gradually devolve into a model that was over used and frankly abused and lost its value where you would routinely see pay-per-view offerings only showing a fraction of a full card being priced at upwards of between $60-$80 or even higher for some events. The fact that some promoters would simply say “Well, those are the price points in the U.S.” was the type of example that led to the problem the sport is still dealing with in 2025 as more networks have left the sport, due largely to the insistence of some promoters and even fighters of the use of pay-per-view.

It was on that basis, however, where DAZN not only stood against an outdated model that no longer served a positive for the sport, or consumers, making Boxing as well as other sports it carries on its platform more accessible, and the fact that every fight on a card would be shown rather than three or four out of a full card of for example, eight to ten bouts, I felt was refreshing and thus was vocal in my support of a subscription-based model, which I still stand by. As most know, despite its pledge to offer “Pay-Per-View quality Boxing without the pain of Pay-Per-View!,” the network ultimately went back on that promise and while they insisted their dipping their toes into pay-per-view would be occasional and on a selective basis, which appeared understandable in the aftermath of the global COVID-19 epidemic, which had severe financial implications for many sports and sports networks both traditional and streaming worldwide including DAZN, it seemed also to be used as a means of bringing fighters and promoters insistent on pay-per-view to the negotiating table, even as the model has continued to decline as it was prior to the impacts of COVID-19.

The decision to even dip their toes into the model on an occasional basis has resulted in DAZN walking a tightrope. In that they still have their subscription model, but risk alienating subscribers by taking fights that would/should be included with the subscription and putting it behind a pay-per-view paywall. Adding further insult to that, doing so often at the same inflated price points that turns off many fans and led to the exits of HBO, Showtime, Fox Sports, and most recently, ESPN from Boxing.

It should also not be overlooked that in an attempt to try and counter the obvious decline of pay-per-view, DAZN attempted to sell two pay-per-view cards on back to back days as part of a bundle price in May of this year with the first Boxing card to be held in Times Square in New York City, followed by a card headlined by an Undisputed Super-Middleweight world championship bout between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and William Scull in Saudi Arabia. While yours truly does not have access to official numbers, it did interest me as to whether subscribers or non-subscribers bit on the bundle offer at $89.99 (Not including tax) for both events versus how those cards did as individual offerings at $59.99 each. 

Word then began circulating over the summer that a new subscription approach would be introduced seemingly at the behest of H.E. Turki Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the Saudi Entertainment Authority who proclaimed that his promoted events under either the Riyadh Season or Ring Magazine banners (A publication which he now also owns) would no longer be offered as pay-per-view, but would be included with a DAZN subscription stating that pay-per-view has hurt the sport and that he stands with the Boxing fans. 

Although I was vocal in saying on social media that common sense had returned to the equation upon hearing such a statement that was subsequently backed up by the network, I was not vocal in the sense of thinking that this would be a complete revert back to DAZN’s original strategy, but likely an approach that would ultimately serve as a way to phase out pay-per-view over time while still offering it for those who prefer it. While Al-Sheikh stated that he intended this new subscription approach to begin with his upcoming Ring IV event in Saudi Arabia on November 22, there was some backlash as it was revealed that both that event and tomorrow's (At the time of this writing) Eubank Jr.-Benn rematch would be available as standalone pay-per-view offerings at $59.99 each or $119.98 combined. This changed slightly, however, with the announcement on November 7th by DAZN with the introduction of DAZN Ultimate. An upgraded Tier subscription that would include not only those two events, but a claimed 12+ pay-per-view events per year. 

The cost for this new subscription (United States and Canada) is $44.99 a month or $449.99 per year on an annual subscription. Full disclosure with the reader, even though I have covered the sport of Boxing for thirty years as of this writing, I do not receive payment or compensation in any form from any promoter or network whose events I regularly cover. Upon hearing this new subscription had launched, I immediately upgraded my existing subscription as a means of limiting my own expenses as, despite what some might believe those of us in media often pay the same price as the average consumer for things like pay-per-view or subscriptions and only so many journalists covering the sport have the opportunity to travel for multiple events that occur during a calendar year, which for yours truly due to physical limitations, is also difficult as I am disabled. With my disclosure in all truth and honesty with the reader having been stated clearly, I will move forward. 

Despite the backlash this announcement received particularly online and from some fellow members of the media, I chose to sit back for a few days and for lack of a better term, feel the room, or in this case, the temperature of those of us in the industry and the fan before I commented further. What I feel needs to be stated clearly, which was not done in my view by the network, is this new “Ultimate Plan” or tier for existing subscribers is an upgrade of an existing subscription rather than paying for two separate subscriptions under one banner, similar in scope to what Prime Video subscribers have the option of doing by potentially subscribing to multiple streaming networks and sports packages like NBA League 

Pass for example under one banner and access it in one app. This rather seems more in line with some streaming subscriptions that offer a less costly plan with adverts or a higher priced option for an ad-free experience or similar to Netflix that offers plans including ads, ad-free, and ad-free with 4K streaming capabilities and multiple streams for different members of a household. While this “Ultimate Plan” gives me a similar impression, there are a few questions that need to be answered here, which while I cannot answer outright, I will try to provide some clarity beyond what I already have in terms of distinguishing what is an upgraded subscription for existing subscribers or a potential option for non-subscribers from a situation where you have a subscription plus an add-on. 

The first among those questions is a guarantee of 12+ pay-per-view events per year? When I first saw that statement, the cynic in me as a born and bred New Yorker began to go off in my mind with the first thought being “Are there really 12 Boxing events per calendar year that are truly major events?” Despite that thought, I immediately thought of other content, which DAZN has also offered on pay-per-view through its platform that will likely be used to fill that schedule including Glory Kickboxing events, select events from the sport of MMA, and select events from the Bareknuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) Bareknuckle Boxing promotion, who also have their own subscription streaming network. While traditional Boxing is the obvious selling point here, I believe this “Ultimate Plan” will likely evolve over time to essentially be the premium option for DAZN, similar to Netflix's 4K streaming plan that will encompass everything the network has to offer including what should now be referred to as Premium Live Events (PLE) as compared to pay-per-view. 

Question number two that needs to be asked is having seen that the pay-per-view model was not a successful strategy and has not been one for some time regardless of network/platform, will DAZN hold firm and stick with this subscription approach even if they face pressure from promoters and perhaps fighters? This is a difficult question because again, I'm viewing things from the outside as a journalist and not a network executive.  I will say, however, is I do not believe for one second and would testify in court under oath that this “Ultimate Plan” would have been introduced had pay-per-view whether it be Boxing traditional or Bareknuckle, MMA, or Kickboxing were overwhelmingly successful in drawing millions of buys per event regardless of region and price points, which here in America, I've often compared to a compulsive eater in terms of being out of control and not knowing when enough is enough. 

What I will say in viewing things with an industry wide perspective, promoters and there are many of them worldwide, should understand that things need to change with clear evidence that pay-per-view has not worked for many years with the rare exception of a single fight or event that will draw a significantly high paid audience than is typically the norm. Those rare exceptions, however, are often spaced out by years and thus while they may have been successful individually, do not serve as an accurate indicator of the viability of a model, especially one that has only increased in price and does not hold much value for consumers, this holds especially true when one considers that the biggest event in the sport of Boxing in 2025, the Undisputed Super-Middleweight world championship clash between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Terence Crawford, a highly anticipated encounter that in some ways brought back memories for yours truly of major fights in the 1980’s and 1990’s in terms of anticipation, would have been a guarantee for pay-per-view in previous eras, but did not air on pay-per-view, but instead aired on Netflix, who over the last year, has entered the sport and seems primarily focused on securing those type of “Pay-Per-View Quality” events for their subscribers. In terms of viewership, the Alvarez-Crawford event drew over thirty-six million live viewers including here in the United States as well as globally. A figure that has increased over time with on demand viewing. Numbers one would never see with a pay-per-view model, even when it was considered viable and consumer-friendly. This only reinforced the viability of a subscription-based approach at reasonable prices rather than using an outdated model that consumers continue to reject.

If one is looking for further evidence, they need look no further than the recently announced deal between the UFC MMA promotion and Paramount in a $7.7 billion broadcast deal that will see the promotion’s scheduled events move from ESPN to Paramount+. A key part of that deal is the promotion, who had been one of the few content providers keeping pay-per-view afloat, will be moving those events to be included with a Paramount+ subscription. No doubt in response to both its own declining numbers for pay-per-view events, which until January 2026, continue to be sold through ESPN Unlimited, but also the success of WWE, who over a decade ago as of this writing went with a digital subscription streaming network strategy that moved it away from pay-per-view. Now under the same corporate banner as the UFC, TKO Group Holdings, which also has its own digital subscription streaming network that houses the full UFC library as well as content throughout combat sports, UFC Fight Pass, WWE has moved away from its network being a direct to consumer product, which in addition to its PLE schedule, includes its vast library of previous events and additional programming, and towards a licensing strategy, which has seen its network first become available on Peacock, but most recently moving to ESPN Unlimited here in the United States and Netflix internationally. Furthermore, Paramount+ will also be home to TKO’s upcoming Boxing promotion Zuffa Boxing, which is slated to begin in 2026, with all events being included with a Paramount+ subscription.

When one takes all of that into account, it should not be difficult for a Boxing promoter or network like DAZN to see and comprehend that pay-per-view is not a winning strategy in 2025 and beyond. This is also underscored by the fact that InDemand previously known for many years as Viewer's Choice prior to 2000, the leading pay-per-view distributor across cable in North America will be ceasing operations at the end of this year after over forty years in service, while its streaming platform PPV.com, will continue to exist for a time. How long is debatable given both the decline of the model as a whole, but also events that would normally be on pay-per-view now generally being aimed for subscription-based streaming primarily because that is the preferred choice of consumers.

As for fighters, it is understandable that fighters will want to make the most money for their efforts, as they should because ultimately, it is fighters who are risking their lives each and every time they compete. While understandable, the pay-per-view model even in a predominantly streaming era has relied on a revenue split structure, often cable/satellite providers, pay-per-view distributors, now streaming platforms, the promoter, network, and finally the fighters as the last entity to profit from such a split and often, the lesser of whatever revenue is generated. When one considers that a significant portion of cards have been taking place either in the Middle East or elsewhere outside of the United States, where time differences can also negatively affect viewership, in addition to the price points for pay-per-view more often than not alienating consumers, one should wonder just how much revenue fighters receive from pay-per-view particularly as buys have continued to decline. Part of the issue is fighters have been preconditioned in a sense to expect that pay-per-view is the only way to make additional money beyond their purse for a given fight.

This is one reason why this observer has strongly advocated for advertising, and sponsorships to become part of the strategy in Boxing. Not only have other sports used those sources of revenue to great success in addition to respective broadcast agreements for various sports leagues, but it also allows those athletes to gain additional revenues beyond their contracts by endorsement deals. All while making the sports in question more accessible and within consumer reach. Boxing is and has been long overdue to adopt a similar approach, which would be more beneficial for fighters in the long-term as well as the sport as a whole than pay-per-view has proven to be. It's a matter of getting promoters, some of whom were saying the pay-per-view model needed to be put out of its misery upon DAZN’s entry into Boxing, but in recent years have backtracked, notably Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, to come to that realization that there are other avenues to gain revenue, that pay-per-view has proven to hurt the sport more than help it and they are only shooting themselves in the foot by not adapting.

Poll Conducted On X (Seen Above) Asking DAZN Subscribers If They Intend To Upgrade To Ultimate Plan Credit: Beau Denison 

Finally, the last question that should be asked here is whether or not this “Ultimate Plan” or tier will be able to not only maintain DAZN’s existing subscribers, but also grow it and potentially win back some subscribers who felt lied to when they went into pay-per-view rather than being the alternative it promised to be? It will likely come down to what fights and other content is offered on this “Ultimate Plan” that will determine whether it will be successful. While it is understandable to see incremental price increases over time, what should be a priority is to ensure the subscription plan remains affordable. This in addition to a bit of increased competition from networks that are in the general entertainment genre in the streaming space should keep DAZN on their toes along with the knowledge that folks can be fickle and as my late father instilled in me as a child, you are only as good as your word. Even during a period where there aren't as many networks involved in Boxing including at least for the time being the proclaimed “Total Sports Network” ESPN, and promoters like Bob Arum’s Top Rank Inc. continue to look for new broadcast deals, DAZN will have to prove both to its current subscriber base as well as any potential new or returning customers that this is the approach from here on while still making some cards available as standalone pay-per-view offerings for those who may be reluctant to upgrade knowing the past history of broken promises and lack of accountability of promoters who could have prevented the move to dip into pay-per-view to begin with. At some point the line of “Well, The Market Changed.” does not hold water and is merely an excuse. For all the good DAZN has done for Boxing over the last seven years, they should look at the list of all the networks that were involved in Boxing, in some cases for decades, both here in the United States and internationally that are no longer in the sport. Unfortunately, it is a long list, and while Boxing’s detractors will claim it's because the sport is dying, it is more a case of bad business decisions, which often included pay-per-view as the culprit that led to those networks exiting the sport. 

As one who does not see as many options to watch the sport I have loved my whole life and have been involved in for most of it, I sincerely hope DAZN will not join that long list. To think, however, that this new “Ultimate Plan” is a cure all for a sport that desperately needs to embrace not only subscription-based streaming, but also methods of revenue generation that will help grow Boxing  by making it more accessible for consumers, may be wishful thinking, but hopefully it is a step in the right direction that others outside of DAZN who still have a pay-per-view mentality will take notice.

“And That's The Boxing Truth.”

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TV’s, availability around the world, to subscribe and learn more about DAZN’ Ultimate subscription plan please visit: www.DAZN.com. 

Photo Courtesy of: DAZN Used with permission.

The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

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The Rivalry Continues: Previewing Eubank Jr.-Benn II

In April of this year, an enthusiastic crowd of over 60,000 spectators crammed into London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the renewal of one of Boxing’s great rivalries. Eubank vs. Benn. A rivalry of legitimate bad blood that began with world champions and legends Chris Eubank Sr. and Nigel Benn in the 1990s, would be carried on by their offspring IBO Middleweight world champion Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn in a non-title twelve round bout that was more about the rivalry itself rather than each fighter’s respective standings in the sport.

The fight did not disappoint with both fighters engaging in a battle of wills from the opening bell that did not let up from start to finish where despite at times late in the fight that he might have been stopped due to utter exhaustion, Eubank was able to prevail to win a hard fought twelve round unanimous decision. Now, only seven months later the two British stars will return to the site of their first meeting, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on November 15th that can be seen worldwide on DAZN Pay-Per-View or included with subscription for DAZN Ultimate Tier subscribers.

In all truth and honesty with the reader, the fact that this rematch, which is essentially chapter four of the rivalry between the two bloodlines, is occurring as quickly as it is. Certainly not because this veteran Boxing scribe does not feel a rematch is warranted, but because all too often, the business of Boxing tends to rear its head where highly anticipated fights, let alone rematches occur in a reasonable timeframe. It also is worth noting that there was two years and eleven months between the first fight between their fathers and their rematch.

In one sense it is refreshing to see a quick return, but on the other hand, one might question if this second encounter between the two sons is a bit too soon. After all, the first fight was highly anticipated and took years to come to fruition for various reasons, but the fight that was fought back in April was an exhausting one that had to take a lot out of both fighters. Often after a battle like that, it does take time for one to recover from the physical and mental toll a fight like that can take from a fighter. While there are exceptions to that thinking obviously, especially in previous eras where fighters at or near the top of the sport fought more frequently during a calendar year as compared to present day, will this turn out to be one of those exceptions?

Obviously we are likely to get some clarity on that question depending on what occurs in this rematch. What could be different this time? Well, in the eyes of this observer, it will boil down to what approach Conor Benn will try to implement. If one were to look at the first fight and specifically how this bout was fought, they might be surprised that it went the distance. Both fighters seemed to go all out and while it resulted in an entertaining bout that exceeded expectations especially given that Benn was moving up two divisions from Welterweight to Middleweight to face a fighter in Eubank who had held world titles in both the Middleweight and Super-Middleweight divisions. Whether that pace in which the combat was fought was rooted more in emotion in terms of the bad blood between the fighters and their fathers more than a strategic approach is something only the fighters can answer, but a potential benefit for Benn from the rematch coming so quickly is he might be able to approach Eubank more tactically.

Although Eubank ultimately won the first fight by a margin of eight rounds to four or 116-112 in points on all three scorecards, it is indisputable that Benn had periods of significant success throughout the fight and appeared at points where he may have been able to stop Eubank later in the fight due to exhaustion. While I thought the fight was closer than the official judges and ended up with a six rounds to six scorecard at the end of the twelve round bout, I ended up with a unique score in that, despite ending up even in rounds, I had Eubank up two points 114-112. This was due to Eubank, despite looking extremely fatigued having a strong eleventh and twelfth round. In particular, the final round, which he dominated to such a degree that I scored it 10-8 on my unofficial scorecard, despite Eubank not being able to score a knockdown of Benn.

If Benn is able to control the pace this time where it's more about tactics rather than trying to stand and trade shots toe to toe, things may tip more in his favor this time around. How does Benn accomplish this? He needs to cut the ring off and limit Eubank’s ability to move. Although Benn is the fighter known as the puncher of the two, the key will be whether he can be strategic and look to try and gradually break Eubank down rather than trying to end the fight with every punch he throws and he must make sure he conserves his stamina in the event this fight goes into the later rounds as was the case in the first encounter.

In contrast, Eubank needs to be elusive, needs to control the pace in such a way that he can avoid the periods of fatigue that almost got to him in the first fight. While this may be easier said than done, if Eubank can box more than be forced to trade punches this time and find a way to nullify Benn any time he gets close, he may be able to get his second victory in this renewed rivalry, but it may be more lopsided this time around.

The first fight was more about the curiosity of the offspring of two great fighters and the event of the occasion. This time, while it is still about the rivalry between the two bloodlines, hopefully it is more about these two fighters and more about the contrast of styles between them rather than expectations that are hard to live up to. In fairness, the first fight did exceed every possible expectation, what happens in this latest chapter remains to be seen.

“And That's The Boxing Truth." 

Eubank Jr. vs. Benn 2 takes place on Saturday, November 16th at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England. The fight as well as its full undercard can be seen worldwide on DAZN Pay-Per-View for $59.99 or as part of DAZN’s newly introduced Ultimate subscription tier for $44.99 per month or $449.99 per year. The broadcast will begin at 11:45AM ET/8:45AM PT.

(*North American pay-per-view and subscription prices only.*)

(*Card Subject To Change.*)

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, availability around the world local start times and pricing in your area, to order this pay-per-view event or to subscribe or upgrade your existing subscription please visit: www.DAZN.com. 

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