Chris Eubank Jr. defeats Connor Benn in an exciting battle
LONDON – Their battle has been cancelled for three years since their father replayed, with Chris Eubank JR unanimously defeating Conor Benn in Saturday's non-titled middleweight round.
Eubank (35-3, 25 KOS) won 116-112 points on all three scorecards to win over Benn (23-1, 14 KOS) to clear the hate match between the two British boxers, the largest non-heavyweight boxing match in the UK since Carl Frochus versus George Groves in May 2014.
Eubank had trouble in the final round but failed to knock out in a fight, hitting expectations in front of 62,000 people in front of Tottenham Hotspur stadium in London, England.
Eubank showed no sign that his fight constituted a 160-pound weight limit, and he failed to make 0.05 pounds on Friday and caused a $500,000 (£375,000) fine. In fact, he performed well in the final two rounds.
“I know I have the power,” Jr said. “Our father did everything they did these years ago and it filled you with spirit and we showed tonight.
“I tried hard. There's a lot of things going on in my life and I'm so glad this man (his father) is back to me. We've been in the last name all the time.
“I didn't know Connor had his figure.”
There was no major title, but it was a very satisfying victory for Eubank, whose father stopped Conor's father Nigel in 1990 until he won the world middleweight and super middleweight title in 1993. Despite reportedly alienating from Chris Jr, Chris Sr brought his son to the ring and sat on the ring with Nigel. “I'm not sure he'll be here, and that gives me an elevator. It's special. He needs to be here, and it's all because of what he does.”
Despite reportedly alienating from Chris Jr, Chris Sr brought his son to the ring and sat on the ring with Nigel. The victory allowed Eubank to compete for a shot in 2026 in WBC, WBA and WBO World Super Middleweight Champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.
Eubank hasn't had the full version of four major world champions yet, but it's an impressive showcase where he shows the character through some tough rounds and wins. For Benn, he could return to middleweight or junior highweight after he suffered his first career failure in his biggest battle to date.
Benn is young enough to recover his career, but the failure will be hurt after a fierce three-year growth, including Eubank smashing an egg in his face at a press conference. Afterwards, he suggested that he might continue to the middleweight. “Maybe inactivity is a factor, I have 14 months. It's a close fight and I have to watch it back. I love it,” Bain said. “It might be that I've been on the ropes for too long. We know Chris is a good fighter and the combat speech is fighting the conversation. I believe I can fight in 160.”
With the expected battle returning high-paying income from British audiences and they are said to share a £18 million wallet, it's also very likely that we'll also see Eubank-Benn Family competing episode 4.
Benn, 28, has not fought in the UK for three years due to an active drug test, which resulted in the scheduled battle with Eubank being cancelled within two days in October 2022.
But it wasn't a warm welcome from fans in North London, who booed his ring while Eubank was in his father, Chris Sr.
Benn grew up in Spain and Australia before moving to Essex in England to start his 19-year-old career, and he was very disappointed with some of his fists in the first round, but he might have been connected enough to win the opener.
Benn started to start more aggressively, his quick hands seemed to surprise Eubank as he lowered some right hooks, even left hooks in round 2. Benn's move is also Eubank's movement, but in the 4th round he caught up with his combo, then a great top right corner and then right-hand Benn's head snatched back.
Eubank, 35, of Brighton, started to spot Benn more regularly in Round 5, doubled the jab and whipped it with the right hook. Both achieved good results in the 6th round of the fight, but Eubank's jab was excellent. Benn's right hook had plenty of venom all night, but Eubank's fist performed better, while Brighton's boxers got a good round.
Round 8 is cruel. Both stand toe toe toe exchange leather without any consideration for self-defense. When two landing shots, it's hard to separate them.
Benn was full of energy at the start of the 9th round, but Eubank responded with some strong right-handed in the later match. Eubank's right eye was cut for the ninth time, and Eubank looked tired when Benn flocked to him. Benn left behind the left for a brief staggering Eubank in the 10th round, and later fell his chaotic opponent on the right hand of the round.
Despite a late rally from Eubank in the 10th round, Benn was still in excitement.
Eubank recovered from the 10th round of poverty, knocked Benn out in the tough 11th match before being in a raging exchange in the final round. Eubank performed better in round 12, almost knocking Benn out of his foot with his left hook. Ben somehow stayed on his feet after being bombarded by a hook last minute.
No knocks, but it was great entertainment.