Eubank Jr. vs. Benn: Family Rivalry Renewed in Son’s Showdown

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

Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn will collide this weekend in a surprise 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.

Now, over 30 years on from the beginning of the bad blood, it’s the turn of the two sons to attempt to settle their differences. 

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

Eubank Jr. vs. Benn Fight Details

Fight: Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn 

Weight: 157 pounds catchweight 

Date: Saturday, October 8th 

Main Event Time: Approx. 11PM BST

Live On: DAZN

Location: The O2 Arena, London, England 

Eubank Jr. vs. Benn Fight Preview

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

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 hit his career stride at welterweight. 

Despite the vast difference in size, the pair will meet at an agreed catchweight of 157 pounds (between light-middleweight and middleweight limits). 

So, as Benn must bulk up to meet their fight weight, Eubank Jr. has to cut down a lot in order for the awaited family showdown to go ahead.

Issues with this have already been brought up by his father Eubank Sr, who reportedly tried to have the bout cancelled over health concerns for his son. It will go ahead, though, as agreed. 

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 stars in British boxing today. 

A push towards a welterweight world title shot was touted before the bizarre announcement of this Eubank Jr. Clash. 

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

Fighting For Family Legacy

Meanwhile, Eubank Jr. is on six-fight win streak since his last defeat to George Groves back in 2018, when he contested for the 168 pounds world titles in the World Boxing Super Series. 

The 33-year-old has overcome notable names James DeGale and Liam Williams during that time, as he now prepares for a huge pay-per-view showdown in the English capital. 

While the pressure was already on his more experienced shoulders, Eubank Jr. added more fuel to the fire by stating he will retire from boxing if he is to suffer a loss to Benn on October 8th.

There is plenty more on the line for the eventual victor too, with even more prosperous fights on the horizon. Kell Brook has recently outlined intentions of overturning his retirement, while Liam Smith is another possible UK future foe for the winner. 

When the opening bell sounds and the names of Eubank and Benn shine across the O2 Arena, 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: DAZN