Eubank Jr vs Benn: Family Rivalry Reignited

Three decades on from the iconic battles between Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn, their sons will renew the intense rivalry and aim to add to their family legacy.

Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn will collide this weekend in a rescheduled match-up that revives the tensions between the two fighting families and evokes a sense of nostalgia for British boxing fans.

This family feud dates back to 1990, when the two fathers first met in the ring before a rematch three years later.

Eubank Sr stopped Benn in nine rounds in Birmingham during that initial domestic showdown for the middleweight world title.

Their bad blood carried on to an eventual draw in their 1993 rematch, in a British rivalry which captivated the entire nation.

Now, over 30 years on from the beginning of the bad blood, it’s the turn of their two sons to settle the next chapter of this historic storyline.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of one of the biggest fight nights of the year.

Eubank Jr vs Benn Fight Details

Fight: Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn

Weight: Middleweight – 160 pounds (10-pound rehydration limit)

Date: Saturday, April 26th

Main Event Time: Approx. 11PM BST

Live On: DAZN PPV & Sky Sports Box Office

Cost: €24.99

Location: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, England

Undercard:

Anthony Yarde vs Lyndon Arthur 3

Liam Smith vs Aaron McKenna

Chris Billam-Smith vs Brandon Glanton

Cheavon Clarke vs Viddal Riley

Eubank Jr vs Benn Fight Preview

It’s the history of family battles that hangs over this controversial match-up in London, but a key factor in how the fight may go is the weight and rehydration limit.

Eubank Jr has previously held belts at super-middleweight and challenged for world titles in that division, while Benn began his professional career at light-welterweight and has previously hit his career stride at welterweight.

Despite the vast difference in natural size, the pair will meet for an agreed middleweight clash, but there is a 10-pound rehydration clause also in place for both men on fight day.

Notably, their previous postponed fight was initially set at a catchweight of 157 pounds (between light-middleweight and middleweight limits).

Now, Benn has been busy bulking up to meet fight weight for uncharted territory and came in four pounds under the limit, while Eubank Jr missed the official weight at his first and second attempts, which resulted in a $500,000 fine.

Having steadily built up his career under the guidance of promoter Eddie Hearn, Benn overcame some early doubts over his ability to become one of the biggest and most polarising stars in British boxing today.

A push towards a welterweight world title shot was touted before the eventual charge towards family rival Eubank Jr.

This came on the back of a devastating run of victories over experienced names such as Samuel Vargas, Chris Algieri and Chris van Heerden.

Following his ban, Benn returned to the ring to secure decision wins over Rodolfo Orozco and Peter Dobson on American soil.

Fighting For Family Legacy

Eubank Jr was on a six-fight win streak before the original Benn date in 2022 and had previously contested for the 168-pound world titles in the World Boxing Super Series against George Groves.

The 35-year-old has overcome notable names James DeGale, Liam Williams and Liam Smith in his career to date, and now prepares for a huge pay-per-view showdown in the capital on the back of a knockout victory over Kamil Szeremeta last year.

There is plenty more on the line for the eventual victor, too, with Turki Alalshikh outlining a potential UK showdown against Canelo Alvarez for the winner.

But both men will only have each other in their sights, with family legacy and personal pride a more valuable honour this weekend.

When the opening bell sounds and the names of Eubank and Benn shine across the venue, the fight will spark a nostalgic feeling for those who followed this famous family rivalry decades ago.

But it’s the younger generation carrying their iconic surnames who will trade punches in the ring this time, albeit with the same intensity and relentless drive to get one over each other and add to their own legacy. 

Header image: Matchroom Boxing