Chris Eubank Sr urges son to consider retirement ahead of rematch
Chris Eubank Sr has called on his son, Chris Eubank Jr, to retire from boxing just days before his highly anticipated rematch against Conor Benn at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on November 15, reports BritPanorama.
This showdown will mark the second encounter between the two fighters, following Eubank Jr’s narrow victory over Benn in their first match in April. The rematch has garnered significant attention given the storied history between the Eubank and Benn families, dating back to the 1990s.
The relationship between Eubank Jr and Sr has been fraught, particularly during the lead-up to the first fight, where Eubank Sr labelled the event a “disgrace” due to concerns over a weight dispute. Eubank Sr has also openly criticized his son’s antics, such as an incident at a press conference where Eubank Jr smashed an egg in Benn’s face.
Despite their past tensions, Eubank Jr stated on Good Morning Britain that his father wishes for him to retire, citing concerns about the dangers inherent in boxing. “He knows how dangerous it is and the perils that come with it,” Eubank Jr said. Notably, the pair had minimal contact for four years prior to reconciling during the previous fight.
Looking forward to the rematch, Eubank Jr remarked on his improving relationship with his father, stating, “It was a special moment and from that we’ve been rebuilding slowly.” The fighters’ fathers, Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn, once shared a fierce rivalry in the ring, embodying the historical significance of this latest bout.
Previously, the highly anticipated fight between the two sons was postponed after Benn’s drug test results in 2022 raised alarms. Benn was ultimately cleared in 2024 when the UK Anti-Doping and the British Boxing Board of Control did not appeal the lifting of his suspension. This rematch presents a unique opportunity for both fighters to not only settle their score in the ring but also to pay homage to their families’ legacy.
As the fight draws near, the atmosphere is charged with expectation, reminding fans how personal histories intertwine with modern rivalries, and how legacies continue to shape the narratives of the sport.
