SATURDAY sees a unique cross-generational trilogy showdown finally come to pass as Chris Eubank Jr, 34-3 (25 KOs), and Conor Benn, 23-0 (14 KOs), continue their fathers’ rivalry in a fierce grudge match. This fight, at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, tops a five-fight bill that is littered with British talent.
Ahead of what is sure to be a memorable night of action in North London, Boxing News looks at five key talking points that will be answered on fight night.
Has Chris Billam-Smith been matched poorly for his comeback?
Having not been expected to advance further than the domestic level during his career, Chris Billam-Smith, 20-2 (13 KOs), has proven to be one of Britain’s surprise packages in the decade thus far.
‘The Gentleman’ claimed the WBO cruiserweight title back in 2023 and made two defences before losing out to Gilberto Ramirez in a unification clash in November. Billam-Smith returns to action here in a tough test against game American, Brandon Glanton, 20-2 (17 KOs).
A front-footed aggressor, the unrelenting visitor will know that this is his chance to thrust himself into a world title fight. ‘CBS’ will need to be at the top of his game to avoid a second consecutive defeat, shunning any lasting impact from a gruelling run of hard-fought encounters in recent years.
Is Viddal Riley the real deal?
Inactivity hampered Viddal Riley, 12-0 (7 KOs), during the early days of his professional career, but he has since knuckled down and fought regularly enough to progress through the levels. Riley has become the English champion and earned a shot at the Lonsdale Belt.
On Saturday, Riley is tasked with British champion Cheavon Clarke, 10-1 (7 KOs), who comes into the contest fresh from a first career defeat when challenging for the European title against Leonardo Mosquea in December.
Despite a disappointing second half of 2024 for Clarke, ‘C4’ remains one of the country’s top cruiserweights. A statement victory over the Kent-based southpaw would get fans talking about how far Riley can go.
Aged 27, supported by a huge social media following, Riley has both time and fans on his side. A test such as Clarke will either bring out the best in him, thus proving he is a budding superstar, or pull back the curtain and expose him as a domestic-level contender rather than a potential world champion.
Are we overlooking Lyndon Arthur?
Anthony Yarde, 26-3 (25 KOs), steps through the ropes as Saturday’s biggest betting favourite, expected to dismantle Lyndon Arthur, 24-2 (16 KOs), regardless of the contest being a rubber match, tied at 1-1.
Admittedly, Yarde ran through Arthur with ease when they collided in their second fight back in 2021. Still, Arthur seemed far from his best and his split-decision win in 2020 should not be forgotten. On that occasion, Lyndon boxed behind a strong jab to upset the apple cart and hand Yarde a second career defeat.
Both men come into the bout off the back of poor performances. Yarde was taken the distance by lesser-known Latvian Ralf Vilcans and Arthur edged a split decision win over Liam Cameron. The victor here will, presumably, be the man who can return to past form.
Whilst Yarde is rightfully the favourite, the fight appears to be more of a 60/40. The bookmakers, however, seem convinced that the Londoner will deliver a one-sided beatdown.
Does Liam Smith have enough left in the tank?
In 2023, Liam Smith, 33-4-1 (20 KOs), moved up in weight and became the first man to knock Eubank Jr. out. The highs of the beginning of the year only made the lows at the end of the calendar worse, as the tables were turned and ‘Beefy’ was stopped himself by Eubank Jr, looking well past his sell-by date.
The Liverpudlian has since cited issues with the weight and injuries as the reason behind a terrible performance. Following 19 months away from the ring, the 36-year-old makes his comeback against undefeated Irishman, Aaron McKenna, 19-0 (10 KOs).
McKenna has yet to fight anywhere near the level of the former WBO super-welterweight world champion, but is considered the favourite nonetheless, with a growing belief that Smith may not be the fighter he once was.
However, suppose Smith has retained his abilities and can prove that his display in the Eubank rematch was simply an off-night. In that case, he should have little difficulty pulling off the “upset” and putting an end to McKenna’s unbeaten run.
Is Chris Eubank Jr. more impacted by the weight than Conor Benn?
During the build-up, a lot has been made of Conor Benn’s two-weight jump from the 147lb division, with many fans feeling that he may lack the punch power to make a dent on a fully-fledged middleweight such as Eubank Jr. Especially after twice going the distance in two outings at 154lbs against Rodolfo Orozco and Peter Dobson, respectively.
Yet, as the clock ticks down towards Saturday’s main event, attention has shifted to whether Eubank Jr. can continue to make 160 pounds. The fight-day rehydration clause allows only 10 pounds to be recouped overnight.
Subsequently, doubts have emerged as to whether the weight will severely restrict Eubank Jr. and whether his punch resistance will be lessened as a result. This could possibly allow Benn’s punches to have a similar impact on his rival to what they would have on Conor’s fellow welterweight contenders.
Benn will be enjoying the less arduous fight week as Eubank continues to battle with his body. A well-manoeuvred weight cut from the 35-year-old could be the deciding factor as he sets out to prove the truth of the old adage that weight classes exist for a reason.
Watch Eubank Jr vs Benn on Saturday 26th April live on DAZN, the global home of boxing with over 185+ fights per year.
