Chris Eubank Jr edged bitter rival Conor Benn in a thrilling clash at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as one of Britain’s most heated and historic boxing feuds delivered on its promise.
Both men fought with ferocious intensity, meeting at the center of the ring and trading heavy blows throughout an electric 12-round battle.
While neither fighter managed a decisive finish, it was the 35-year-old Eubank’s experience that shone through, earning him a unanimous decision victory with all three judges scoring the fight 116-112.
With the win, Eubank seized bragging rights in a family rivalry that stretches back 35 years to when their legendary fathers first clashed.
“I knew I had that in me — I just needed someone to bring it out, and I didn’t expect it to be him,” Eubank said.
Adding another layer to the drama, Eubank made his ring walk alongside his father, Chris Eubank Sr, despite the two reportedly being estranged for years. Eubank Sr had previously criticized the fight but was proudly by his son’s side on the night.
“I’m happy to have this man [Eubank Sr] back with me. We upheld the family name — onwards and upwards,” Eubank Jr said.
The emotional reunion seemed to fuel Eubank’s performance, as he improved his professional record to 35 wins from 38 fights.
For Benn, 28, it was a painful first loss in his 24-fight career.
“I thought it was close. I’m not going to stand here and claim I should have won — I’ll have to watch it back. It was tight,” Benn admitted.
With the two having signed a two-fight deal, and after such a dramatic encounter, a rematch later this year now seems highly likely.
