THE announcement of the long-awaited cross-generational grudge match between Chris Eubank Jnr, 34-3 (25 KOs) and Conor Benn, 23-0 (14 KOs) has got the boxing universe talking – for both good and bad reasons. Now, it has been confirmed that the deal for the fight includes a rematch clause, that will all but rule both men out from alternate contests for the remainder of 2025.
Eubank and Benn were set to continue the rivalry birthed by their fathers when they signed to fight one another back in 2022. However, the clash was cancelled after Benn tested positive for banned substance Clomifene on two separate occasions.
Ever since, ‘The Destroyer’ has maintained his innocence and has twice fought in the United States after relinquishing his boxing licence with the British Boxing Board of Control and facing suspension, scoring unanimous decision victories across the pond against Rodolfo Orozco and Peter Dobson respectively.
In November, Benn’s suspension was lifted, and is set to fight on British soil once again, with a middleweight showdown against Chris Eubank Jr. now officially announced – for which he must move up two weight divisions.
Despite Benn recently declaring his goal of taking on Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title, Dan Rafael has now reported that the domestic duo will fight on two occasions, regardless of the outcome of their first encounter.
“The date for the scheduled 12-round fight is April 26 and it is the first bout of a two-fight deal regardless of the April winner, with the rematch due to take place by the end of December, sources with knowledge of the plans told Fight Freaks Unite.”
The first fight is expected to take place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, whilst the second will assumably go ahead in Saudi Arabia at the end of the year, due to the involvement of Turki Al-Alshikh and Riyadh Season.
With two fights now scheduled at 160lbs for Benn during 2025, a return to 147lbs during 2026 seems unlikely and he will likely find himself moving down to super-welterweight or remaining at middleweight depending on his performances this year.
