Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn analysis: Boxing needed a fight like this

The long-anticipated fight between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn has been in the making for three years with it originally being scheduled for October 7, 2022.

Unfortunately, the fight was called off because Conor Benn failed two drug tests for the female fertility drug-clomiphene.

This resulted in the fight being called off. The eagerly-awaited match was finally rescheduled three years later for April 26, 2025 - and it absolutely lived up to the hype, writes Sports News Blitz’s Jonathon House.

Electric build-up

The build-up to the fight was electric, fuelled by the history between their fathers Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn, who fought twice in the 1990’s.

Eubank Sr stopped Benn in the ninth round of their first fight to win the WBO middleweight title in Birmingham.

Their rematch three years later at Old Trafford ended in a dramatic draw. Given the history between these two fighters, the rivalry between their sons was intense.

Press conferences were heated, resulting in Eubank Jr slapping Benn in the face with an egg - a stunt that only increased the tension and the hype around the fight.

Fight week was no different - there were a lot of moments that created talking points with fans.

The main topic of discussion was the difficult relationship between Eubank Sr and his son, who allegedly had not spoken for years.

People wondered how this rift would affect Eubank Jr in the fight, and it was evident in interviews when his father was discussed that this impacted him.

During the weigh-in, Eubank Jr had to comply with a rehydration clause, leading many to speculate about its potential impact.

Hard-fought victory

However, those doubts were quickly put to rest. Eubank Jr secured a hard-fought, entertaining, unanimous decision victory in a fight that truly delivered on expectations.

Expectations were certainly high for this fight. Fans had been waiting eagerly since 2022.

In my opinion it definitely lived up to the hype. Both fighters had determination, giving their everything to beat each other.

Boxing needed a fight like this. Not only was the main event entertaining - the entire card at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was one of the best in recent memory.

There were fighters like Viddal Riley who won the British title against Cheavon Clarke.

There were also the likes of Liam Smith vs Aaron McKenna which ended in an upset with McKenna dominating Smith.

The co-main event was a trilogy between Anthony Yarde and Lyndon Arthur. This ended in Yarde winning by decision.

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Eubank Jr vs Benn fight breakdown

The opening rounds were tense. In the first half of the fight, Benn was the aggressor, throwing big shots but often missing the mark.

Eubank Jr, meanwhile, controlled the distance with an effective jab. Eubank was using his jab well in the early rounds which I felt was working well for him.

The second round saw Benn apply more pressure, troubling Eubank Jr with his relentless aggression.

The third round was certainly Benn’s round with him landing a big left-hook on Eubank - he was clearly hurt.

However, Eubank Jr remained composed. He regained momentum in the fourth and fifth rounds, landing clean counters and slowing Benn’s attack.

By the end of the sixth, the fight was even on my card - three rounds a piece.

In the second half, Eubank Jr’s cleaner work stood out.

Although Benn continued to throw heavier shots, Eubank’s precision and timing allowed him to edge rounds seven and eight.

The ninth round brought more drama, a clash of heads opened a cut over Eubank’s right eye, raising the stakes even higher.

Despite this setback, Eubank remained calm. Rounds 11 and 12 were close, but ultimately, the judges awarded Eubank a well-deserved unanimous victory.

Both fighters showed incredible heart and determination.

While Eubank took the win, Benn’s performance earned him huge respect.

It was one of the best, most exciting fights boxing has seen in years - the type of rivalry the sport desperately needs.

After a war like that, it’s hard to imagine fans not demanding a rematch.

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