EVERY good pantomime needs a villain. Throughout the 2025 production of Benn versus Eubank, Conor has played the part both beautifully and reluctantly.
When the show was first scheduled for October 2022, it was Chris Eubank Jr who was cast in the role of the antagonist. It is a part he knows well, having fulfilled it for the majority of his career, just as his father had 30 years earlier.
However, two positive tests for clomifene saw the fight cancelled and the roles reversed. ‘The Destroyer’ proclaimed his innocence throughout, but muddied the waters by claiming he had been cleared by the WBC, who had no jurisdiction to do so. Eggs and negligence on the part of the VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency) laboratory were also put forward as explanations for the adverse findings.
While the matter hung in legislative limbo, the Essex fighter continued his career. He was no longer headlining arenas in London, but found himself midway down the card on U.S. promotions.
Ultimately, the National Anti-Doping Panel lifted Benn’s suspension in November, but he refused to reveal the details about why he was allowed to resume boxing in Britain.
The proclamations of innocence from the 28-year-old and his promoter fell on deaf ears. The public did not believe it.
This was evident on Saturday as every time images of the Matchroom fighter appeared on the screen, they were greeted with boos by those in attendance at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
However, after a gruelling battle with Eubank Jr, stances appeared to soften. Benn showed heart, grit, and determination in abundance as he stood and traded hurtful shots with a naturally bigger, albeit weight-drained, fighter.
The reputation restoration took further steps forward in the post-fight press conference as Benn spoke with emotion and humility. Throughout the protracted build-up to this bout, it was hard to take anything either man, or their promoters, said at face value; it was a sideshow. Yet, Benn’s word rang true in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Eddie Hearn, a man who never misses an opportunity, attempted to bestow the title of ‘The People’s Champion’ onto his fighter in the immediate aftermath. It was a moniker his father, Nigel, had in his pomp, but it feels disingenuous at this point to attach the label to Conor.
While Benn deserves credit for playing his part in a classic, few observers felt he should have had his hand raised. Of those scoring on the Boxing News app, just 15 per cent believed he had won the fight, compared to 62 percent who scored it in favour of Eubank Jr.
As Saturday night provided tremendous entertainment, a rematch seems inevitable. Turki Alalshikh has already revealed that a deal is in place for both men to return to the scene of their epic in September.
There is no bigger fight out there for either boxer, no bout will bolster their bank balances as much. Despite this, Hearn has expressed he would like to see his charge return to 147lbs to challenge WBC titlist Mario Barrios.
There are two stumbling blocks with that line of thinking; firstly, Benn has not made the welterweight divisional limit in three years, secondly, ‘El Azteca’ is reportedly in negotiations with Manny Pacquiao, who brings money and prestige to the table that the Englishman cannot match.
If either of those options come to fruition, Benn will be an underdog. In both proposed bouts, the man from Essex would be in a punishing fight.
Punishment is not what Benn needs at this stage. On Saturday, he demonstrated his toughness may be elite level, but none of his other attributes are.
Benn started brightly, bobbing his head to a beat only he could hear, and caused Eubank Jr issues with his hand speed. Yet, everything was frenetic, as he fought with the composure of a seven-year-old who had consumed a can of Red Bull, after receiving a bike on their birthday.
After the fourth round, whatever music had been playing in the mind of the Essex fighter ceased, as did his head movement.
From that point on, his rival began having success, first with the jab, then with the uppercut.
The closing stages, which were compelling, were so in large part due to each fighter’s limitations and exhaustion.
The second-generation boxer possesses some talent, which, if properly harnessed, could see him develop into a world-level fighter. Throwing him in with naturally bigger men and dangerous world champions at this stage would only hinder the development.
Interestingly, Benn finds himself in a similar spot to the one ‘Next Gen’ was in over a decade ago. After pushing Billy Joe Saunders to the limit for the British, Commonwealth and European middleweight titles, public opinion had started to turn with regards to the Brighton fighter. He had not defeated anyone world class or close to it, but had displayed enough in defeat for fans to be able to gauge his level.
After that loss, Eubank Jr signed with Hearn and was thrown in with Dmitry Chudinov. The Russian was undefeated, world ranked, but somewhat limited. He was the perfect opponent for Junior to showcase his talent against.
Eubank Jr obliged, nailing his opponent with hard shots throughout every round before securing a 12th-round stoppage. Draped in the Union Jack afterwards, he looked every bit the fan-favourite.
It could be argued that ‘Next Gen’ never fulfilled his potential. Frequent changes of coaches and promoters did not help his cause. Greater consistency in matchmaking, training, and promotion could have seen him own a legitimate world title to take to the club (no, the IBO does not count.)
Will Benn choose more wisely than his great foe, or will the allure of pound coins be too much?
If ‘The Destroyer’ was to drop to welterweight to face either Barrios or unified champion Jaron Ennis, his following fight would likely be against Eubank Jr, regardless of the result.
If he were to suffer defeat in both, he would be on a three-fight losing streak. Yes, the British public love a valiant loser, but that run would test the patience of even the most patriotic fight-fan.
With a crowd-pleasing style, Benn has a path to redemption. Boxing is the most forgiving sport in the world; just look at the number of drug cheats and convicted criminals in the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
However, if he is to earn the title his promoter foisted upon him, it is imperative he gets back to winning ways promptly.
Of course, there is risk associated with fighting contenders opposed to washed up fighters, who Benn has typically faced. At present, his stock and value have never been higher. If he were to fall short against a lesser boxer, the big fights could vanish, and at minimum, his purse would become smaller.
It depends whether Benn and his team believe he can develop into a world class fighter; if so, he should be developed; if not, they should look to earn as much as possible, as quickly as possible.
The choice is simple, cash out now, or roll the dice on the long game.
