On Saturday, April 26, 2025, boxing fans witnessed a highly anticipated showdown at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London as Chris Eubank Jr. faced off against Conor Benn in a middleweight clash that reignited a rivalry steeped in history. This bout, which marked the culmination of a feud that began 35 years ago between their legendary fathers, Chris Eubank Sr. and Nigel Benn, drew over 65,000 spectators eager to see who would emerge victorious.
The fight was originally slated for October 2022 but was abruptly canceled when Benn failed two Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) drug tests, leaving fans frustrated and longing for this moment. After a lengthy wait, the two fighters finally stepped into the ring, with Eubank Jr. (34-3, 25 KOs) looking to prove his mettle against Benn (23-0, 14 KOs), who had remained undefeated up to this point.
As the fight commenced, both fighters showcased their skills, exchanging heavy blows in a thrilling 12-round contest. Ultimately, it was Eubank Jr. who emerged victorious, defeating Benn by unanimous decision. The judges scored the bout 116-112 in favor of Eubank, echoing the same score across the board. This victory not only avenged the disappointment of the canceled bout but also allowed Eubank Jr. to replicate the success of his father, who triumphed over Nigel Benn in their classic encounters.
In the lead-up to the fight, Eubank Jr. faced some controversy of his own, weighing in at .05 pounds over the 160-pound middleweight limit, which resulted in a hefty $500,000 fine. However, he was determined to make a statement in the ring, and he certainly delivered.
One notable aspect of the evening was the presence of Chris Eubank Sr., who had previously expressed skepticism about his son's decision to fight Benn. Speculation surrounded whether he would attend, given their fraught relationship. However, the two were seen together, with Eubank Jr. later revealing that he believed his father viewed him as a "disgrace" for taking on this fight. The emotional reunion was well-received by the crowd, who cheered as they embraced, showcasing a moment of familial solidarity amidst the fierce competition.
In addition to the main event, the fight card featured several other exciting bouts. Anthony Yarde (26-3, 24 KOs) and Lyndon Arthur (24-2, 16 KOs) faced off in a light heavyweight trilogy bout, with Yarde winning by unanimous decision (115-113, 116-112, 116-112). The undercard also saw Aaron McKenna (19-0, 9 KOs) defeat Liam Smith (33-4-1, 20 KOs) by unanimous decision (119-108, 117-109, 118-108), while Viddal Riley (12-0, 7 KOs) won against Cheavon Clarke (10-1, 7 KOs) for the British cruiserweight title, and Chris Billam-Smith (20-2, 13 KOs) secured a victory over Brandon Glanton (20-2, 17 KOs), both by unanimous decision.
As the dust settles on this monumental event, the boxing world is already speculating about the future for both Eubank Jr. and Benn. Prominent figures like British heavyweight Derek Chisora, who watched from ringside, voiced his thoughts, suggesting that a rematch could be on the horizon. Chisora remarked, "I believe it was a draw. Nobody needed to lose today. It’s a draw. They worked hard in the gym. They trained hard. It’s a draw." His sentiments reflect the fierce competitive spirit displayed by both fighters, and the possibility of a rematch could keep fans on the edge of their seats.
The fight was broadcast live on DAZN pay-per-view, with viewers in the UK, US, Canada, and Australia able to tune in for the action. In the UK, the fight was available through DAZN and Sky Sports Box Office, priced at £19.95. Meanwhile, in the US, fans could catch the bout for $24.99, with DAZN providing coverage across multiple regions.
As Eubank Jr. celebrates his hard-fought victory, the boxing community reflects on the significance of this match not only as a sporting event but as a continuation of a storied rivalry that has captivated fans for decades. The emotional stakes were high, and both fighters delivered a performance that will be remembered for years to come.
With the excitement of this match still fresh, the question remains: what’s next for Eubank Jr. and Benn? Will we see a rematch, or will both fighters pursue new challenges in their respective careers? One thing is for certain: the boxing world will be watching closely as these two athletes continue to carve their legacies in the ring.
