Historic Rivalry Reignites
On April 26, 2025, Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn will face off at a sold-out Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, reviving a 35-year boxing rivalry that began with their fathers’ iconic bouts in 1990 and 1993. The fight, steeped in family pride and fueled by personal animosity, follows a dramatic buildup, including Eubank Jr’s egg-throwing incident at a press conference after Benn’s 2022 doping scandal, which postponed their original clash.
Eubank Jr’s Family Strain
Chris Eubank Jr, 35, revealed a strained relationship with his father, Chris Eubank Sr, who dismissed the fight as a “circus” and will not attend. Despite reaching out months ago, Eubank Jr received no support, adding emotional weight to the middleweight bout. He views the fight as a duty to uphold his family’s legacy and to prove a point against Benn, whom he accuses of cheating after failing two drug tests in 2022.
Benn’s Mindset
Conor Benn, 28, approaches the fight with a gladiator’s mentality, thriving on the fear of losing. Cleared of doping allegations, Benn, who jumps from welterweight to middleweight, aims to enjoy the moment before 65,000 fans. Close to his father, Nigel Benn, who will join his ring walk, Conor emphasizes their bond is personal, not centered on boxing, focusing on his wellbeing over the sport’s pressures.
Weight Challenges
The fight’s middleweight limit (160lbs) poses challenges, with a strict rehydration clause capping weight gain at 10lbs post-weigh-in. Eubank Jr, naturally heavier, faces an excruciating cut, while Benn adjusts to a higher weight class. Both fighters acknowledge the physical toll, but Eubank Jr accepts it as part of the game, determined to perform despite the grueling preparation.
Stakes and Legacy
For Eubank Jr, the fight is about restoring honor after Benn’s doping controversy, which he believes let down fans and young athletes. Benn, undefeated, treats every bout like a title fight, driven by pressure and pride. With neither willing to tarnish their fathers’ legacies, the clash promises intensity, blending modern boxing with a historic feud, as both aim to etch their names in the sport’s annals.
