Conor Benn defeats Chris Eubank Jr in dramatic rematch
Nigel Benn reignited his long-running feud with the Eubank family in the moments following his son Conor’s emphatic victory over Chris Eubank Jr, accusing his former rival of being a “prat” who “loves the limelight”, reports BritPanorama.
The unanimous decision win marked the Benn family’s first triumph in a rivalry that began thirty-five years ago. Conor delivered a commanding performance at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, achieving a redemption that had eluded the family since April, when he lost to Eubank Jr in their first encounter.
The original grievance between the two families stems from 1990 when Eubank Sr stopped Benn in their first match, and their subsequent rematch in 1993 ended in a highly controversial draw that has lingered in Benn’s memory. The latest victory sparked old tensions, as Nigel Benn’s post-fight remarks highlighted the animosity that remains unresolved.
In an explosive two-minute tirade, Nigel engaged in a confrontation from a press conference earlier in the week, where Eubank Sr allegedly sought the spotlight rather than prioritising his son’s well-being. “At the press conference I will say it now, we had a face off,” Benn said. “He is dancing because he loves the limelight. He does not care about his son, he just loves the limelight.”
Benn recounted an attempt to extend an olive branch that was met with reluctance from Eubank Sr. “I thought, let me just shake your hand…and he put his hand up to me,” Benn explained. He asserted that he felt disinclined to engage further with Eubank Sr, saying, “I am not playing your games, mate.”
In his criticisms, Benn did not hold back, labelling Eubank Sr as “an idiot” and questioning both his and Eubank Jr’s behaviour, particularly their public remarks about promoters. “We never talked disrespectful about our promoters that are putting money in our banks,” he noted, citing a perceived shift in integrity within the sport.
He also expressed frustration over Eubank Sr’s recurring concerns regarding weight management. “Eubank is always talking about, we are struggling at the weight…Always moaning. Always,” Benn commented. He concluded his remarks with a sense of exhaustion over the feud, stating, “I am sick to death of them to tell the truth and I am glad it is over now.”
This latest chapter in the boxing rivalry underscores the deep-seated emotions that continue to shape the sport. It’s a reminder of how personal conflicts often intertwine with the pursuit of glory, leaving a complex legacy that stretches beyond the ring. The Benn-Eubank saga, with its blend of familial drama and athletic rivalry, illustrates the magnetic pull of boxing, where history can ignite passion and controversy in equal measure.
