STEEPED in hatred, history and controversy, the Eubank-Benn rivalry is forever remembered as one of the most legendary in British boxing and is now set for a new chapter, 35 years after it began.
Saturday night plays host to the continuation, as Chris Eubank Jr, 34-3 (25 KOs), and Conor Benn, 23-0 (14 KOs), meet in the middle of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in a fierce grudge match, where the wait and the weight has been much of the talk.
Eubank and Benn were set to fight back in October 2022, but a failed drugs test from Benn caused a delay to the contest. He was left to fight his case outside the ring, while Eubank continued to campaign within it.
In the time that has passed, Benn has moved up to 154lbs and appeared twice across the pond, scoring two unanimous decision wins over Rodolfo Orozco and Peter Dobson, respectively. Those performances left fans questioning whether he had the punch power to cause issues in what was rightfully deemed an inevitable meeting with a fully-fledged middleweight in Eubank Jr.
Meanwhile, Eubank Jr. moved on to a showdown with Liam Smith and was shockingly knocked out for the first time in his career. Chris went on to avenge that defeat with a stoppage win of his own over the Liverpudlian, before halting Kamil Szeremeta in his lone outing of 2024 back in October.
At 35 years old, fans have begun to question whether Eubank Jr. can continue to make 160lbs. The additional fight day weigh-in contracted for this fight, where he can rehydrate and regain a maximum of 10lbs overnight from the traditional weigh-in, leaves him further restricted. It could possibly have an impact on both his punch resistance and his gas tank.
However, whether Benn has the punch power and skill set to capitalise remains the key question. The experience and obvious physical advantages of Eubank make him the favourite come fight night, despite his possible difficulties at the weight.
For Benn, the feet will be pivotal if he is to take advantage of Eubank’s perceived weakness, but he has appeared to somewhat lose his ability to quickly pivot around opponents and unleash blows to the body at will in his encounters at 154lbs. Although this may arguably be attributed to ring rust rather than his footwork slowing down as a result of the additional weight.
As for Eubank, the Sussex-born pantomime villain has a tendency to play with his food. The Brighton boxer has perhaps lacked the necessary killer instinct in recent outings, prolonging contests against each of Liam Williams, Liam Smith and Kamil Szeremeta after having his man hurt much earlier in their respective fights.
That could come back to bite him against Benn, particularly if the weight has played its part and causes Eubank to tire during the latter stages. It would therefore be advisable that he pounces on his rival if he is able to buzz Benn early on.
Coming in over the limit at the official weigh-in had an impact on Eubank Jr’s purse and no doubt on his body as well. Quite how much it has taken out of him mentally or will affect him in the latter stages remains to be seen. Benn is almost four pounds under the limit, which will aid his quest for speed and explosiveness. All setting up a fascinating main event tomorrow evening.
Chris Eubank Jr vs. Conor Benn Fight Prediction
Nevertheless, BN Online is predicting a points win for Eubank Jr, who should simply be too big, too skilful and too experienced for Benn if he is anywhere near his best. Eubank Jr may still lack the punch power to stop his tough and game foe inside of the distance.
Live on DAZN, April 26 Eubank Jr vs. Benn. Over 30 years of rivalry and hatred all comes down to this! A bloodline born to settle the score, hatred in their blood. Eubank Jr vs. Benn, live on DAZN April 26.
