Benn Shocks Eubank Jr. In Chapter 4 Of Bloodline Rivalry, Should There Be A Third Fight Between The Sons Of Legendary Rivals?

The second encounter between former two-division world champion Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn on November 15th, the fourth chapter of a generational rivalry between legendary bloodlines, one filled with bad blood, came just seven months after the first bout between the sons of Chris Eubank Sr. and Nigel Benn, which took place in April of this year at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England. A fight that was a candidate for fight of the year that was won by Eubank Jr. after twelve grueling rounds in a unanimous decision. What made this rematch unique in a sense was that it was rare to see such a quick turnaround of only seven months, which is rare when one thinks of high-profile fights where the result of the original encounter was not controversial. Nevertheless, for a fight that was largely based on curiosity in Benn, a career Welterweight, essentially moving up two divisions to fight Eubank Jr., a fighter who has held world titles in both the Middleweight and Super-Middleweight divisions, which more than exceeded all expectations, a return bout was logical even if the timing seemed unusual by present era standards. 

The onus for the rematch was whether Benn could find an answer to defeat the naturally bigger Eubank. What was also of interest here was whether or not this fight, like its predecessor, would be one where the emotions and bad blood, largely rooted in the rivalry that began with their fathers thirty-five years ago, would influence how they fought. In that would this be a repeat of two fighters being willing to stand and trade shots with the combat being fought at a high pace?

Conventional wisdom suggested that Eubank, the winner of the first encounter, who struggled through severe fatigue to score a twelve round unanimous decision, who is more of a natural boxer, would attempt to be more elusive the second time around. To the shock of over 65,000 spectators returning to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the rematch, it was Benn that showcased a strategic approach no one from fan to grizzled scribes and experts such as this observer expected. 

From the opening bell, Benn applied pressure on Eubank, which was to be expected, as Eubank is an elusive boxer that utilizes lateral movement. While expected that Benn would look to cut the ring off from Eubank, what was unexpected was the non-aggressive, tactical approach in which Benn executed his fight plan, which differed significantly from the first fight that was fought almost strictly on emotions based on the bad blood between the two and their fathers.

Round after round, behind a consistent jab, strategically placed body punches, and consistent tactical pressure, Benn put round after round in the bank. As this was occurring one aspect also became evident, Eubank hesitated to let his hands go with any kind of consistency. Whether it was the fact that the first fight seemed to take something out of him, the quick turnaround between fights one and two, or the possibility of being both overtrained coupled with age as a thirty-six year old former two-division world champion possibly getting old in fighting years in the span of two fights, he simply could not pull the trigger and it quickly became a scenario that it was Benn's fight to lose. In that if Eubank was going to come drum behind and win the rematch, as he had done in fight one, despite significant fatigue and looking at various points like he was on the verge of being stopped, mainly by exhaustion, it would likely only come by Benn getting caught by a punch he did not see coming and knocked out suddenly. 

Although Chris Eubank Jr. had twenty-five knockouts in his thirty-five career wins, he has never been known for punching power. While one can never and should never dismiss the possibility of a fighter landing something dramatic as all it takes is one punch, regardless of style and traits, on this night, it was not to be for Eubank. Despite having some success when he was able to let his hands go, Eubank was unable to find a rhythm and Benn continued dominating with a stellar, disciplined Boxing performance. A career best performance that was nearly capped off with a knockout in the twelfth and final round as Benn dropped Eubank hard with a right hand then knocked him down a second time with a barrage of punches. Despite being very badly staggered after the second knockdown, Eubank managed to make it to the final bell, this time finding himself on the losing end of a twelve round unanimous decision.  A dominant victory virtual shutout for Benn and the first win for the Benn family in this generational rivalry following a win for Eubank Sr, followed by a draw in the two fights between he and Nigel Benn in the 1990's, and now the two sons Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn splitting two fights between them.

While Conor Benn dismissed talk of a third fight, a potential fifth chapter in the rivalry as he suggested his desire is to move back down in weight to either the 154lb. Jr. Middleweight or 147lb. Welterweight divisions, down from the 160lb. Middleweight division where these two fights have been fought during 2025, and Eubank eluding to the possibility of dealing with issues outside of the ring when the two fighters gave post-fight interviews immediately following the rematch, this observer believes it will ultimately come down to whether the public, particularly in the United Kingdom, has significant interest in a third fight. The second encounter between the two sons was frankly a one-sided affair that on its own probably would not wet an appetite for a return bout.

 With the fight having taken place within the context of a long-standing rivalry, however, along with the fact that both encounters between the two sons have drawn over 60,000 spectators each time to the same stadium, a third fight will likely be discussed, despite Benn looking for a world title shot at a lower division, which he has yet to earn at this point in his career and Eubank Jr. looking to deal with personal issues outside the ring. If nothing else, it makes sense from both a financial and business standpoint for the fighters, the promoters, and the network, the global digital subscription-based sports streaming network DAZN, who have recently introduced an ultimate subscription plan to include events such as this, would be pay-per-view offerings as part of that subscription, as this rematch was, and are looking to entice both current and non-subscribers alike to either upgrade an existing subscription or subscribe as a new or returning customer. Whether or not we see a chapter five in the family rivalry remains to be seen, but based on what happened in fight two, chapter four between the sons of legends, it may not be a wise idea for a quick turnaround between fights two and three. Even if it may be all too tempting and logical to cash in on the rivalry continuing. 

“And That's The Boxing Truth.”

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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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35 Years Later: Eubank And Benn Pick Up Where Their Fathers Left Off

In previewing the non-title Middleweight bout between IBO World Middleweight champion Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn, which took place on April 26th at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, much was discussed regarding the rivalry between the two famous bloodlines. A rivalry that began thirty-five years ago when their fathers Chris Eubank Sr. and Nigel Benn, two fighters who fought over two world championships in two divisions in two separate and hotly fought battles in what were two of the best fights of the 1990's as each went on to not only hold world championships, but ultimately Hall of Fame careers.

While the rivalry between the two legends indisputably was passed down to their respective sons, which made this encounter intriguing in addition to the clash of styles between the two fighters in their own right, it was still a curiosity.  A curiosity not only in the sense of Conor Benn essentially moving up two divisions from the 147lb. Welterweight division to face Eubank, but also a curiosity in terms of the event.  After all, part of the appeal here was the resumption of one of Boxing's great rivalries. There have been times when the offsprings of great fighters both men and women have been matched against each other. More often than not, the fights do not live up to what are often unrealistic expectations and end up not being significant in the book of Boxing history. 

Yet with the rivalry going into and the occasional history of offspring of great fighters being pitted against each other, somehow there was also room for controversy before the fighters got in the ring as Eubank came in over the 160lb. Middleweight limit and was fined $500,000 by the British Boxing Board of Control, (BBBofC) adding yet another twist to things after the first attempt to get this fight in the ring three years ago ended up being cancelled days before it was to take place due to Benn testing positive for a banned substance. 

Although the idea of a fighter missing a weight limit is certainly not new in combat sports, after Eubank missed weight, I frankly wondered if there would be another cancellation. It would not be surprising given how the build-up to this fight at times resembled more of a reality TV show than a fight between a world champion and a rising star, to question whether the fight would indeed move forward after the first cancellation and the already deeply rooted bad blood between the families. Fortunately,  there would be no more grandstanding and the sons of legends finally squared off inside the ring. 

The pace of this fight was one that was high from the outset. What stood out to this observer was, despite being the fighter who was moving up in weight, Benn seemed to be landing the harder punches of the two. Although both fighters had periods of success early, I felt Benn won three of the first four rounds based largely on whenever he landed, the punches were often landing flush and did damage. 

As the fight progressed and moved into the second half, however, Eubank managed to make up ground by gaining some distance between himself and Benn, working behind his jab and seeming to outwork him during much of this period. While this description of the action might give the impression that this was a straightforward fight, many of the rounds were close and that can be attributed to the pace that did not seem to let up as the fight went on. It seemed as though fatigue would become a factor late in the bout as Eubank showed signs of exhaustion in the tenth round and appeared to be running out of steam where if Benn were able to press the action, a potential late round stoppage seemed possible.

At the conclusion of ten rounds, I had Benn ahead six rounds to four. Despite looking as though he was on the verge of going down, Eubank came on strong at the very end of the tenth round and continued the rally in rounds eleven and twelve. It was his performance in the twelfth and final round where though he did not score a knockdown of Benn, I felt he dominated it to such a degree that scoring the round 10-8, which is standard in rounds where a knockdown is scored against a fighter was justified. Frankly, Eubank did everything in that final round with the exception of scoring a knockdown.

This created a unique scorecard for this observer in that the fight was even in rounds on my scorecard at 6-6, but in points,Eubank had pulled ahead 114-112 largely on the strength of what he was able to do in the twelfth round. Although I felt Eubank had done enough to edge Benn, I felt it was a close fight and depending on how the three official judges scored rounds that were very close, the result could be subject for debate. The ultimate result, a unanimous decision for Eubank might give an impression of a lopsided fight.

In reality, this fight exceeded every possible expectation that was placed before it and offered both action and highly skilled Boxing as well. The obvious question now is when is the rematch?’Yours truly cannot answer that question, however, based on both the success  in drawing over 67,000 spectators as well as a highly competitive encounter inside the ring, it would not surprise me to see a rematch sooner than later.

“And That's The Boxing Truth." 

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35 Years Later: Sons of Legends To Resume Rivalry In The Ring

In the 1990’s in the Middleweight and Super-Middleweight divisions, there was perhaps no more bitter rivalry than the one between Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr., two world champions, who would go on to become legends, Hall of Famers and in terms of the Boxing hotbed of the United Kingdom, two of the most dominating British fighters of their era. Like many great rivalries, there was demand for the two to meet and once they did, no shortage of debate as to who had the upper hand. 

In their first fight in November 1990, Eubank became a world champion by stopping Benn in nine rounds to win the WBO World Middleweight championship in a fight where the fighters were separated by only one point on all three official scorecards. A classic encounter in every sense of the term. Three years later, the two would meet again in October 1993, this time in the Super-Middleweight division where the two, at the time both world champions holding the WBO and WBC world titles respectively, fought to a hotly disputed split decision draw in front of over 47,000 spectators in Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester, England.

Despite the close competition in two fights and seemingly the ideal conditions for a third encounter given the draw and the public support for a third bout between the two, it was not to be, but the rivalry has remained all these years. Fast forward thirty-five years from their first encounter and the names Eubank and Benn are as much a focal point today in 2025 as they were back then in the sport. Only now the rivalry and hostiles have spread to the offspring of those legends.

Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn. Like his father before him, Chris Eubank Jr. has become a two-division world champion in both the Middleweight and Super-Middleweight divisions. Conor Benn meanwhile appeared to be on a fast track towards a world title shot in the 147lb. Welterweight division. Originally, the two were to meet in 2022, but the fight was cancelled following Benn testing positive for a banned substance, which ultimately resulted in a lengthy legal battle between the undefeated fighter and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC), who suspended him, which in turn led to a lengthy absence from in ring competition. All the while, both hostiles and accusations between the two fighters and their camps have only continued.

Benn  was able to return to the ring in 2023 and 2024 in two fights held in the United States while he fought for his license to be reinstated in the United Kingdom. With that license officially reinstated, both fighters are now able to renew their focus as they will finally meet on Saturday, April 26th at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in a fight that can be seen globally on DAZN Pay-Per-View.

Without getting into the issue of what led to the fight between these two fighters falling apart just days before it was to take place three years ago, a subject that has been discussed seemingly everyday since throughout the sport and something which Benn has always maintained his innocence, this fight brings together a unique scenario, assuming that it will take place this time. 

What makes this particular fight unique? It is not the first time that offsprings of great fighters have met in the ring, both male and female, but what makes this a bit different is unlike their fathers before them who were competing in the same divisions when they fought those two fights, Conor Benn will be moving up two weight divisions to the 160lb. Middleweight division and Chris Eubank Jr. will be coming down eight pounds from the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division to make this fight a reality.

While the undefeated Benn fought his last two bouts technically as a 154lb. Jr. Middleweight, this is a circumstance where he will be moving up again to face not only a naturally bigger opponent, but also one with more experience. Although Eubank is the current International Boxing Organization (IBO) World Middleweight champion, he has gone between both Middleweight and Super-Middleweight throughout his career and will have both natural size and height to his advantage. 

Despite Eubank’s status as a current world champion, the twelve round Middleweight bout will not be for the IBO world championship as of this writing. What are we likely to see on fight night? The question here will center on whether Benn will be able to compete effectively as a Middleweight having now jumped up two divisions from where all signs of him challenging for a world championship as a Welterweight.  It was as a Welterweight that Benn scored several highlight reel type of knockouts as he gradually climbed the ranks. While that reputation now has some skepticism attached to it due to the circumstances, which led to the cancellation of this fight the first time it was made three years ago, Benn, like his father before him, has the ability to end a fight with either hand, often in sudden and brutal fashion. Skepticism aside, nearly every non-Heavyweight that is known for their punching power, will eventually have to answer whether that punching power will be as effective and devastating as they move up in weight as it was at a lighter weight. He will be facing a naturally bigger opponent in Chris Eubank Jr. and it will be interesting to see what impact the punching power Benn has will have if he can connect both cleanly and , more than occasionally.

This certainly could prove to be easier said than done given Eubank’s ability to be elusive, attack at varying angles, and his attribute of being able to throw in volume. While a style that may not always be entertaining to watch, it has won Eubank two world championships in his career. 

Given the long history of animosity between the two fighters that goes back to their fathers, the possibility exists that styles of the two fighters will not be part of the equation here and that animosity will lead to both fighters being willing to stand and trade shot for shot with each other. If that were indeed to happen, it could be a toss up as to who will emerge victorious. While such a scenario would be ideal for those who want to see an all-action fight, there is a lot on the line for both Eubank and Benn and it would be wise for both fighters to approach things strategically rather than looking to go toe to toe. Who will win is anyone's guess, but for a fierce rivalry between two Hall of Fame fighters, who were among the best of their era to now see that rivalry continue through their offspring, this observer is looking forward to seeing how this chapter will be written.

“And That's The Boxing Truth.”

Eubank Jr. vs. Benn takes place on Saturday, April 26th at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England. The fight as well as it's full undercard can be seen globally on DAZN Pay-Per-View for $24.99 beginning at 12PM ET/9AM PT (*U.S. Pricing and Times only.*) 

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

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Follow-Up: DAZN's Three Upcoming Pay-Per-View Cards Now Available For Purchase

In a follow-up to the recent column discussing DAZN’s upcoming three pay-per-view Boxing cards, which will take place within a seven day period. All three events are now available to purchase on DAZN’s website. The first event, which will take place on Saturday, April 26th will be headlined by a long-awaited grudge match between sons of Hall of Fame rivals Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank, Sr., two-division world champion Chris Eubank, Jr. and Conor Benn, which will take place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England is available here in the United States for $24.99. This will be followed by back-to-back events on May 2nd and 3rd. First on May 2nd a tripleheader will take place outdoors in Times Square in New York City, NY featuring Ryan Garcia facing Rolando Romero, former two-division world champion Devin Haney facing former Jr. Welterweight world champion Jose Ramirez, and current WBO Jr. Welterweight world champion Teofimo Lopez defending his title against number one WBO contender Arnold Barboza for $59.99. On May 3rd, Super-Middleweight world champions Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and William Scull will meet in Saudi Arabia for the Undisputed Super-Middleweight championship of the world, which is also priced at $59.99. DAZN, however, is offering an option for both the May 2nd and 3rd events by offering consumers the option to either purchase both events separately at the aforementioned $59.99 per event or as a bundle for $89.99. All three events are available for purchase at DAZN.com We will have coverage of all three events in the coming weeks here on Stay tuned.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, availability around the world, to subscribe, and for region-specific pricing for select pay-per-view events please visit: www.DAZN.com. 

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