In a dramatic build-up to the highly anticipated boxing match between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn, tensions flared at a press conference held on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The event, which is set to attract over 66,000 fans, marks a significant clash between two fighters with deep-rooted family histories and personal vendettas, culminating in a bout that has been nearly three years in the making.
The rivalry, which began with the legendary fights between Eubank Jr's father, Chris Eubank Sr, and Benn's father, Nigel Benn, in the early 90s, has seen its share of ups and downs. The original fight scheduled for October 2022 was called off after Conor Benn failed two voluntary drug tests, leading to his provisional suspension. Now, as Benn returns to the ring for the first time since April 2022, the stakes have never been higher.
During the press conference, Eddie Hearn, Benn's promoter, expressed his pride in his fighter, stating, "I can't wait for Conor to smash Eubank Jr to pieces." However, the moment took a turn when Eubank Jr interrupted Hearn, asserting, "I don't want to hear it. This is a boxing show, and no one wants to hear from Hearn." Frustrated by the interruptions, Hearn introduced Matchroom CEO Frank Smith, who is ironically married to Eubank Jr's sister. Yet, Eubank Jr continued to dominate the conversation, mocking Smith's attempts to speak.
As the press conference progressed, both fighters engaged in a verbal sparring match, with Eubank Jr calling Benn a "fat boy" due to his weight cut to 160 pounds. Eubank Jr, however, took a more serious tone when discussing the pain he has experienced in his life, stating, "What is pain, though? I have a brother who is buried in the desert in Dubai, that is pain. I have his son, three years old, asking, 'Why can't I see my daddy? Why can't he take me to school?' That is pain." This emotional revelation came after Benn promised to inflict pain on him in the ring.
Eubank Jr's brother, Sebastian, tragically passed away in 2021 at the age of 29 due to a heart attack. The loss has profoundly affected Eubank Jr, who also revealed that his father has not spoken to him in years and thinks he is a disgrace. "My own father, a man I idolised for my entire life, does not speak to me. We haven't spoken for years, and he thinks I'm a disgrace," he shared, highlighting the personal struggles that overshadow his boxing career.
Despite the emotional weight of the situation, both fighters are preparing for a fierce battle. Eubank Jr must make the middleweight limit of 11 stone 6 pounds, down from his usual fighting weight of 174 pounds. There is a strict hydration clause in place, with a $1 million penalty for any fighter who exceeds the weight limit on the day of the fight. Eubank Jr admitted, "The weight is painful, I'm in pain right now, I'll be in even more pain tonight and tomorrow morning. But if I can deal with all these trials and tribulations, then the weight cut is not an issue, not important."
Meanwhile, Conor Benn, who remains unbeaten with 23 wins, is eager to settle the family rivalry that has lasted for 35 years. He dismissed any pressure he might feel, stating, "No pressure, I live for this. I'm excited to get in there and put my hands on [Eubank] on Saturday night." Benn's confidence is palpable, as he aims to not only claim victory but also to restore his family's honor in this historic matchup.
As the fight approaches, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation. Both fighters carry powerful stories into the ring, with family pride, legacy, and personal redemption at stake. The bout, dubbed "Fatal Fury", will unfold on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the iconic Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Fans can catch the action live via pay-per-view on DAZN, where the undercard features several exciting match-ups including former champions Liam Smith, Anthony Yarde, Chris Billam-Smith, and Viddal Riley.
The clash of Eubank Jr and Benn promises to be a gripping contest, not just for the titles at stake but for the emotional weight each fighter brings into the ring. With the legacies of their fathers looming large over this encounter, both men are ready to settle the score in what is expected to be one of the most significant fights in British boxing history.
