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Conor Benn lands a body shot on Chris Eubank Jnr at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - Getty Images/Richard Pelham
After all the speculation that it would be a mismatch, Chris Eubank Jnr and Conor Benn delivered a fight for the ages, proving that the fighting DNA of their fathers lies deep within them on a stirring night at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
In an era of Misfits and Gen Z fights, Eubank-Benn proved that boxing has never been more alive, on a night of nostalgia played out in a raucous atmosphere enjoyed by 65,000 fans.
It was without question the fight of the year thus far. Indeed, several of the rounds could be in the running for round of the year. From the off, they tore into each other, never relenting.
We were watching two bona-fide fighters, coupled with such a compelling backstory. This showed that the hijacking of the sport by social-media megastars such as KSI and Jake and Logan Paul is simply a sideshow.
This was a proper fight to remind sceptics of the value in boxing. As Anthony Joshua commented on the night: “This was a fight that makes me proud to be British.”
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Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Snr embrace ahead of their sons’ fight - Getty Images/Richard Pelham
It played out as predicted: Benn fast and dangerous early, Eubank taking over as the fight wore on, a worthy winner on all three judges’ cards, 116-112. Eubank never looked seriously hurt, yet Benn’s attacks fatigued the older fighter, seven years the senior. I had the same score from my ringside seat, 8-4 in rounds to Eubank, as Benn emerged with huge credit having come up two weight divisions from welterweight to middleweight.
Incredibly, Benn proved that he is made of granite and, late in the fight, shipped heavy punches, but never looked like he would be floored by the bigger man. Benn, early in the fight, and twice towards the late rounds, landed heavily on Eubank and sent him momentarily into retreat.
It was thrilling for every round, and will now be considered the biggest night of both of their careers. Given the nostalgia associated with the event, which made it unique, and the attendance of both fathers – Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Snr – there was an added a layer of intrigue.
Eubank Jnr was taken to hospital for a precautionary check on a suspected broken jaw, and is understood to have been given the all-clear by medical advisers in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Predictably, there was a post-fight discussion of a rematch from both promoters, Eddie Hearn for Benn and Ben Shalom for Eubank. For me, it goes back to the adage that “there are eight divisions for a reason”. They have just shared a purse of £17 million after a night that delighted. I suspect we would see the same again if they were to have a second encounter.
The better option for Benn – even though “revenge”, he has said, burns within him – would be to return to welterweight and fight for a world title. Benn, who proved his credentials at world level without doubt in this fight, is ranked No 3 by the World Boxing Council and No 5 by the World Boxing Association, and in my view would defeat Mario Barrios, the incumbent WBC champion. That match-up was an option for Benn while the Eubank fight was being negotiated. But Benn’s stock has clearly risen.
As his father said afterwards: “You can’t go up to 160 pounds, then drop down to 147 pounds, then come back up to 160 pounds. Stay at 160, have the rematch, and then come back down to your weight. Then we’ll be happy.”
"If this has brought them together, that's worth its weight in gold."
Pure class from Conor Benn on Chris Eubank Jr and Sr#EubankBennpic.twitter.com/0134fLo0tK
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) April 27, 2025
Speaking on the ring apron soon after the fight, Eubank Snr praised Conor Benn, repeating his point that the weight differential should bring concerns, while adding that he was proud of his own son.
“I was always going to be here for my son,” he said. “The performance – in the championship rounds, standing toe to toe – the credit I want to give to Conor... I told you he was a superior fighter but he should not be fighting at 160 [middleweight], he’s a 147 [welterweight] fighter. What couldn’t he do around the world [at that weight]. He’s being destroyed by the people who are handling him, and they have to be brought to account. Do your job.”
Promoter Hearn intimated as the dust settled that he would discuss Benn moving back down to his natural weight and a world title instead of the second fight against Eubank. Right move. We’ve seen the best of Benn and Eubank.
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