Conor Benn gears up for rematch against Chris Eubank Jr
Conor Benn is set to face Chris Eubank Jr for a second time on Saturday night, with his father, Nigel Benn, expressing confidence that his son will display his best performance yet in their highly anticipated rematch, reports BritPanorama.
Benn, 29, is looking to overcome the memory of his first defeat in April, where he lost by unanimous decision to Eubank Jr, 36, with all three judges scoring the bout 116-112 in favour of his rival.
The defeat was particularly difficult for Benn due to the context surrounding it, following a turbulent fight week overshadowed by allegations related to a previous failed drugs test that led to the cancellation of their initial scheduled bout in 2022. Nigel Benn highlighted the emotional toll this has taken on his son, stating, “He went through a lot of stress and now he has completely been exonerated, been cleared and he is completely in the right frame of mind.”
Ahead of this encounter, Nigel is optimistic, stressing that the preparation this time has been calm and focused. “The whole camp has been so peaceful and he knows what he has got to do,” he added. He expressed belief that if Conor adheres to the game plan, fans will witness the fighter at his peak.
Nigel Benn’s history in boxing includes two iconic battles with Chris Eubank Sr during the early 1990s, recollecting the intensity and passion that defined their rivalry. When asked about the pressure on Conor to secure a victory for the family, he stated, “I thank God for bringing Chris in my life, for bringing Chris Jr into it. It is going to be a great night for Conor, I know that.”
Meanwhile, Eubank Jr has made a strategic move by enlisting trainer Brian McIntyre for this rematch, having previously collaborated for his bout with Liam Smith in 2023. McIntyre remarked, “We’ve both got the same thing in common; win!” Emphasizing the importance of the upcoming fight, he indicated that their focus is strictly on achieving victory, with potential for a knockout if the opportunity arises.
Relationships in the Eubank camp have been strained, with Eubank Jr noting that a reconciliation with his father has taken place, now preparing for their biggest showdown yet at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. “He will be there when it counts,” Eubank Jr confirmed in a recent interview, promising a spectacle that he believes will resonate deeply with fans.
The stakes are high as the fighters prepare for a clash steeped in family history and competitive tension, an event set to draw considerable attention from the sporting community.
As the bell approaches, it’s clear that the shadows of past encounters linger, mixed with the urgency of a new path forward, capturing the essence of what makes boxing endlessly captivating.