THERE was much to digest and much to discuss following the Eubank Jr-Benn main event last night. It clearly excited the paying public and got boxing back on the British sporting map, as only a high-profile fight, between recognisable names, can do.
There was some good, some bad, and a whole lot of ugly in a build-up that spanned three years, or perhaps even 35, depending on how you interpret it. There could be 55 talking points, but let’s start with a list of five.
Is the rematch a realistic next option?
In a word, no. Well, it might be an option, of course, but I don’t want to see it. I believe after last night, Eubank Jr, 35, should sail off into the sunset. Sky pundits mentioned Canelo afterwards, but that is surely unrealistic now.
If we were to get the rematch, there can be no rehydration clauses, which leaves things even messier. Eubank cannot physically drag his body any lower. If he comes down further, he will be in even greater health danger.
Benn cannot pull his frame any higher. Anything north of, say, 162 or 165 means Benn is significantly the smaller man. I don’t see a world where it makes sense. Where can the sweet spot be found?
Eddie Hearn says that Conor Benn’s stock rose even in defeat
Benn’s style is fan-friendly, but his skill is limited, leading to overreaches and erratic in-ring decision-making. The punching power has also dissipated since he returned to action. That said, he brings the kind of ferocity and intensity needed for big occasions, such as last night.
While he could move back down and pursue a clash with the likes of Mario Barrios, the WBC welterweight champion is experienced at world level and has a strong jab, both of which would cause problems for Benn.
Instead, Conor could cash in on his upgraded popularity by fighting another Eubank, Harlem, in a UK dust-up that would appeal to the masses. Hearn might be right when he mentions the rise of a new superstar, of some description.
Chris Eubank Sr’s dramatic return to his son’s corner
As distasteful as the sight of Billy Joe Saunders beefing with security staff was, when the former world champion attempted to gain entry to the Eubank dressing room, there were other, more wholesome, meme-worthy moments on offer.
None more so than the Eubank double act exiting a lift together. Chris Senior had been vocally critical of this fight, along with his son’s promotional antics. All of that was put aside when the limelight beckoned and Chris was soon seen embracing Nigel, his old arch-rival, before the ring announcements.
Ben Shalom is loving life
Even though he ended up getting side-stepped by interviewer Jamie Ward after the main event, Ben Shalom has enjoyed a fruitful week. Last Sunday, Ben Whittaker impressively ended his rivalry with Liam Cameron in two rounds. Earlier on that show, Frazer Clarke banged out Ebenezer Tetteh in a round.
Fast forward almost a week and Chris Billam-Smith gritted out a 12-round win over Brandon Glanton before Viddal Riley became British cruiserweight champion, beating Chev Clarke. And, of course, Chris Eubank Jr got the win in the main event. Ben probably won’t mind being swerved by the post-fight mic at all.
The fight was dramatic, but the overall standard was low
They were surprisingly well-matched, which helped. Eubank’s age and physical decline, combined with Benn’s fitness and toughness, made for an enticing spectacle in terms of energy and endeavour.
The technical standard was questionable at times. Yet, the British public loves a storyline and a scrap. Both were delivered in volume. The scale of interest and economic value elevated this British title-level scuffle to something way beyond.
Removing the boxing pretension, it was a good, honest fight between two “celebrity” boxers who can brawl, cashing in on their surnames, away from the rigours of world-class, delivering exactly what was required. Nobody, whether in the arena or at home, was shortchanged by their investment in the Pay-Per-View or time spent witnessing the possible ending of a faux family feud.
