Almost three years after they were first scheduled to meet, Chris Eubank Jr, the IBO middlweight champion, finally takes on Conor Benn, renewing a family feud that spanned two unforgettable fights and an awful amount of spiteful words between their fathers in 1990 and 1993.
The original fight between the pair had been scheduled for October 22 at London’s O2 but was cancelled three days before by the British Boxing Board of Control because Benn had tested positive for the banned substance clomifone. Benn was banned by the governing body but a National Anti-Doping Panel hearing lifted the suspension in mid-2023, citing an excessive consumption of eggs as the likely cause of the positive test.
The governing body and UK Anti-Doping successfully appealed that decision and the ban was reimposed but in November last year NDAP again pronounced that it was not satisfied Benn had committed an anti-doping violation and this time the BBBoC and Ukad announced that they would not contest the lifting of his suspension, paving the way for the fight finally to proceed.
Given that Benn fights at welterweight and Eubank at middleweight, they have come up with a compromise for this non-title grudge match, agreeing to weigh in at 160lbs the day before the fight and no heavier than 170lbs on the night of the bout itself.
When is Eubank vs Benn?
Eubank vs Benn is on Saturday, April 26. No timings have yet been released but the main event is usually held at around 10pm for British marquee bills.
Where is Eubank vs Benn taking place?
The fight is being staged at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in north London, fittingly given their fathers propensity to fight outdoors at football grounds. Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank fought for the second time at Old Trafford in 1993 and Eubank defeated Michael Watson in their tragic second meeting in N17, fighting at the original White Hart Lane in 1991.
The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has also hosted Anthony Joshua’s first fight with Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury’s defence of his world heavyweight title against Derek Chisora in 2022.
Are tickets available for Eubank vs Benn?
Tickets went on sale on Wednesday, February 26 and it has been reported that the reserved general admission seating has sold out but premium packages remain at the time of writing either via the stadium website or official ticket agencies.
Where to watch Eubank vs Benn in the UK
The fight will stream live on DAZN pay-per-view at the usual price of £19.99 and also on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK, where prices are usually the same as DAZN’s.
Is Eubank vs Benn on the radio?
Radio right have not been awarded at the time of writing although Talksport is thought to be in pole position.
Why do Eubank and Benn hate each other?
It all stems back to their fathers’ rivalry at middleweight and super-middleweight in the 1990s when Nigel fought Chris Sr twice, the latter winning the first bout and the WBO title at the NEC in Birmingham followed by a draw at Old Trafford three years later. They were a perfect match with contrasting styles, Benn all heart and panache, Eubank defensively astute with a flawless chin and iron right hand. Both bad-mouthed the other though there has been a wary, grudging respect across three decades as both fighters, who commanded tribal bands of supporters, have been acknowledged as among the greatest British boxers in history.
The discord between their sons to scavenge on the publicity of that bad blood began as something of a contrivance given the disparity in weight and size but one that has grown in authenticity following the cancellation of the originally scheduled fight. As the hype began with a series of joint press conferences in the days before tickets went on sale, Eubank staged an assault on Benn, taunting him about the ban by smashing an egg into his face.
Credit: Sky Sports
Justifying his actions, Eubank said: “Youngsters who see my response, when you’re dealing with a drug cheat, I think it’s good that the younger generation understand what can happen and the consequences of cheating.
“It doesn’t go unpunished. I felt it was only right that I physically contaminated him with an egg. I felt that was the fair thing to do.”
Benn responded by saying that his opponent had “poked the bear” and that Eubank, seven years his senior, would pay for it.“Everyone loves a little push and a shove,’’ Benn said. ‘‘That’s alright, no problem. But never raise your hands to somebody.
“But ultimately, he will pay the price. In the end, I will have the last laugh. The talking’s done. He’s done what he had to do, well done Chris on building up the fight. Now more people get to watch him get knocked out.”
What are the other fights on the Eubank vs Benn bill?
Anthony Yarde vs Lyndon Arthur
Liam Smith vs Aaron McKenna
Chris Billam-Smith vs Brandon Glanton
Viddal Riley vs Cheavon Clarke
What are the Eubank and Benn career records?
Chris Eubank Jr v Conor Benn
Nationality: British vs British
Age: 35 v 28
Height: 5ft 11in v 5ft 8in
Reach: 72½in v 68in
Total fights: 37 v 23
Record: 34-3 (25 KOs) v 23-0 (14 KOs)
What are the odds?
Eubank to win: 8/11
Bakole to win: 6/4
Draw: 18/1
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