AS expected, Saturday night’s main event between Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has taken on a life of its own during the build-up.
The fight has crossed over into the mainstream, capturing the British public’s attention. With an expected crowd of 65,000 in attendance and a global audience glued to their screens, everyone will have an opinion on who will win. But what does the Boxing News writing team think? Our four-person team shares their thoughts on the main event and the intriguing four-fight undercard.
Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn
Steve Wellings (Online Editor) – Surely Eubank will be too big? Benn hasn’t been showing the same kind of punching power these last two outings and is much the smaller man. Expect an early burst before Eubank gets him on the jab, leans in and makes it messy. Eubank on points.
Shaun Brown (Senior Reporter) – Eubank’s rehydration clause is a worry. I’m not sure if he’ll have enough in the tank come the second half of the fight. Benn will be all over him from the first bell and he may just get a late stoppage with a drained and weakened Eubank helpless on the ropes. Benn TKO.
Oscar Pick (Reporter) – The obvious size difference is one thing, but the level that Eubank has competed at, when compared to Benn, perhaps represents an even greater disparity. As their fight drifts into deep waters, Eubank should have the engine and experience to outwork his opponent, before forcing a stoppage down the stretch. Eubank stoppage.
Tom Eaton (Staff writer) – Strong believer that weight divisions are there for a reason and that Benn’s apparent lack of power at 154 is a sign of things to come up at 160. Eubank isn’t a huge puncher either and him being restricted at the weight hampers him further. I don’t believe he gets Benn out of there but think he wins a pretty wide decision. Eubank on points.
Anthony Yarde vs Lyndon Arthur
Steve Wellings – I’d just about favour Anthony Yarde over Lyndon Arthur, although his level of opposition has been weak since losing to Beterbiev. Has he lost focus? Arthur is a live opponent. Yarde on points.
Shaun Brown – Yarde showed massive improvement from the man who faced Kovalev to the one who challenged Beterbiev. Arthur’s performances of late are a concern going into this fight. Yarde shows up when it really matters. Yarde TKO.
Oscar Pick – Despite ending their rematch inside the distance, Yarde has not had a meaningful fight since his stoppage defeat to Artur Beterbiev at the beginning of 2023. Arthur should therefore introduce him to a tricky night’s work, utilising his crafty movement and accurate jab, before getting outshone by the more eye-catching attacks of Yarde. Yarde on points.
Tom Eaton – With the scores tied at 1-1, I struggle to see why Yarde is such a big favourite to defeat Arthur with the bookmakers – comfortably the biggest of the main card! He was unconvincing against Vilcans in his lone fight of the last 14 months and I think that much lauded jab of Lyndon Arthur will cause him problems. For value reasons alone, my money will be going on a Lyndon Arthur decision. Arthur on points.
Liam Smith vs Aaron McKenna
Steve Wellings – Smith has been out of the ring for a very long time. He’s even dropped out of the Boxing News rankings! That said, once he rediscovers his timing, he should be too sharp and experienced for McKenna, who hasn’t mixed at this level before. Smith KO.
Shaun Brown – This is intriguing. Smith is world-class and proven. McKenna could be and isn’t. This may be the night McKenna arrives but ultimately he will fall short against a man who has seen it all. Smith on points.
Oscar Pick – While remaining a serviceable operator, Smith’s lack of activity, and indeed his last performance, would indicate that a late surge in his career is perhaps wishful thinking. McKenna, on the other hand, will bring to the fight an added degree of freshness, and possibly even talent, that should see him outpoint the former world champion. McKenna on points.
Tom Eaton – This is probably the toughest to call and it all hinges on how much ‘Beefy’ has left in the tank. Again a surprising underdog, I’ll side with Smith to use his experience and stop McKenna during the latter stages. Smith TKO.
Cheavon Clarke vs Viddal Riley
Steve Wellings – Given their recent activities, I might favour Cheavon Clarke over Viddal Riley. Clarke is coming in off a loss, but he’s gone hard rounds with Apochi and Mosquera. Riley isn’t as battle-tested and has been treading water over recent years. I’m sticking my neck out for Clarke to win. Clarke on points.
Shaun Brown – This is the moment Riley has been waiting for but he has a tough task in shifting the British cruiserweight champion out the way. Clarke is being overlooked in this and that will only benefit him. It’ll be tight on the cards but Clarke will do enough to get the nod. Clarke on points.
Oscar Pick – While Clarke was floored for the first time in his last outing, he nonetheless showcased a sturdy chin to trudge towards a split decision defeat. The more dynamic footwork and explosive attacks of Riley should ultimately prove decisive, though, even if it means claiming a convincing victory on the scorecards. Riley on points.
Tom Eaton – I’m a believer in Viddal Riley and think that we will see the best of him in these sort of fights, against opposition that is coming at him. Chev will be desperate to bounce back but I believe that will present Riley with the openings to excel and put together a strong performance. Nevertheless, I think the game Clarke will take this the distance, but with Riley prevailing as a dominant winner. Riley on points.
Chris Billam-Smith vs Brandon Glanton
Steve Wellings – Chris Billam-Smith will have his hands full with Brandon Glanton. Two strong guys. Glanton is no fool. I expect CBS to get the job done on points, but if the Ramirez loss has taken a load out of him, I wouldn’t write Glanton off down the stretch. Billam-Smith on points.
Shaun Brown – The loss to ‘Zurdo’ was a bruising one for Billam-Smith. This bout may put some more miles on the clock but the former WBO champ’s ability to nullify styles and turn fights in his favour will be critical here. He should pull away toward the end. Billam-Smith on points.
Oscar Pick – This should deliver a mini barnburner for however long it lasts, with Glanton going for the jugular while Billam-Smith adopts a more measured approach. But eventually, Glanton’s recklessness in attack should see Billam-Smith – the more crafty technician – find a series of openings to close the show with an emphatic finish. Billam-Smith stoppage.
Tom Eaton – Billam-Smith is taking on a tougher task than meets the eye in this comeback against Glanton. Expect that this could be the highlight of the undercard but that CBS has just enough to get over the line on the scorecards. Billam-Smith on points.
Watch Eubank Jr vs Benn on Saturday 26th April live on DAZN, the global home of boxing with over 185+ fights per year.
