Conor Benn beats Chris Eubank Jr and crosses fine line between relief and revenge

Join the Miguel Delaney Inside Football Join the Miguel Delaney Inside newsletter to get exclusive access and unparalleled insight. Football Join the Miguel Delaney Inside newsletter Football NewsletterAfter 35 minutes of the much-hyped rematch between Conor Benn, Chris Eubank Jr. finally delivered drama that coloured their 36 minute enthralling original clash. Benn finished Eubank Jr with only 60 seconds remaining on this cold, November night in Tottenham. Eubank Jr had been knocked down a second-time before the match was over. Eubank Jr. rose to his feet twice, both times making it to the bell. This is one of the many heart-stopping moments in this unique pair of duels. He has “revenge” Tattoos on his right arm “redemption” inked on his left, and it was the right that was raised at the end – briefly, before he was hoisted aloft by his proud father.More than 30 years after Nigel Benn failed to overcome Chris Eubank Sr in two seismic contests for British boxing, in a bitter rivalry of their own, Conor finally claimed a win for his family in a feud spanning two generations.Benn was always a step behind Eubank Jr in April’s clash at this same venue, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but he was still able to make it a thrilling encounter on that evening – an instant classic. As is often the case, though, the sequel did not deliver the same quality as the first episode.Quality may seem a curious word to use, actually; Benn and Eubank Jr both admitted in April that they did not box especially well, and in Saturday’s rematch, there were many poor moments and less excitement.That was until the final minute. open image in galleryConor Benn sent Chris Eubank Jr to the canvas twice in the 12th round (PA Wire)Benn had admittedly fought more intelligently this time, scoring with right crosses to the body and holding the centre of the ring throughout, and in doing so he established a lead that Eubank Jr was never going to overturn – not with the listless, laboured performance the 36-year-old turned in here. Benn said in April that his downfall was, in part, trying too hard to hurt Eubank Jr; but here, he ironically punctuated his redemption by dealing his blood rival the pain he’d wished to for years.The first knockdown came courtesy of a right cross that skimmed off the side of Eubank Jr’s head, sending him lolloping backwards to the canvas as if in slow motion. After he beat the count, he was next floored by a shot as he turned, driving him facefirst towards the floor.Had it not been for those two moments, perhaps Benn’s redemption would have felt more like relief than revenge. Enjoy 185+ boxing fights per year on DAZN. Never miss a top promoter’s fight. Watch anywhere, at any time. Buy NowADVERTISEMENT. We will receive commission if you subscribe to this service. Enjoy 185+ boxing fights per year on DAZN. The Global Home of BoxingNever Miss a Fight from Top Promoters. Watch anywhere, at any time. Buy NowADVERTISEMENT. We will receive a commission if you subscribe to this service. This revenue helps fund The Independent’s journalism.“How does it feel?” Benn laughed at his father, but asked himself: “I got one on you, Nigel! I got one on you, mate! I feel like this is the end of the Benn-Eubank saga. Done, finished, over. I know Chris has twins coming, and I’ve got my boy…”Benn and Eubank Jr have a 1-1 record, but Benn has ruled out a trilogy fight (Action Images by Reuters). “To everyone who said I can’t box, put that in your pipe and smoke it. How about that?” And some might retort that Benn was not always slick on this evening – often off balance or mistiming shots – but he boxed better than Eubank Jr, who never got going and who fought behind a slow, aimless left hook.“I mean, listen, this wouldn’t have been what it was without Chris – and our dads most of all,” Benn continued. “This is generational. This has never been done before. Credit to Chris, that’s all I’ve got to say. Thank you, [Chris]. Not bad for two silver-spoon kids, eh?”Eubank Jr, who had exchanged words and smiles with Benn after the final bell, put his hand on the shoulder of a rival who – despite all of the bad blood – might have finally earned his respect.“I’ve been through hell and back to get to this fight, and it is what it is,” His father, who stood behind him, had already said some words of comfort. “I tried my best, and listen: the kid fought hard, he fought tough.“He’s got power! He was bigger than me on the scales, I don’t know how you did it,” Eubank Jr went on, referencing Benn’s second venture up to middleweight in this rivalry.open image in galleryBenn was hoisted aloft by his father, who had a rivalry with Chris Sr in the 1990s (PA Wire)“Listen, we put on a show, and yeah, Conor Benn was the best man tonight, so congratulations to him. It’s 1-1, I’ve got to go away and deal with some things I’ve been dealing with the last couple of months, and who knows?”Benn Jr and Eubank have certainly squeezed out every last drop of drama from this grudge. This grudge is easing. Benn was able to win this contest with relative ease and even added the exclamation marks he had so desperately desired.
2025-11-15 23:46:17