Conor Benn made Chris Eubank Jr look like a ghost of himself and his next move should be clear

Join the Miguel Delaney team: Inside Football Get exclusive insights and behind-the scenes access to the Miguel Delaney: inside newsletter Football NewsletterJoin the Miguel Delaney inside Football newsletterThe last fight of boxing’s greatest family rivalry finished for good late on Saturday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The 35-year war between the Eubank clan and Benn clan was finally ended in a strange atmosphere of boos, and brutal punching. Chris Eubank Jr. had to get up twice from the bloody canvas of the 12th and final round to hear the bell and save his family’s name. A round before, some of the 60,000 people in attendance had booed at the lack of skill, and the lack of slugging. Open image in gallery (Action Images via Reuters). At the closing bell, Benn roared, and Eubank Jr retreated to his corner with his head down. It was the fourth battle between the families and the first Benn victory. This was the 45th of a series that has consistently set the agenda of raw excitement, drama and bravery. This episode was about the noble art of boxing, the skill and ring intelligence. Benn was too intelligent, and Eubank Jr looked old overnight. Sorry if that sounds harsh. It happens to men in their 15th year after an extraordinary career. Also, boxers under intense pressure can suffer this fate. Michael Buffer delivered the official last word about the rivalry in front of a thunderous sky. Benn was the clear winner. In a boxing match, there is no room for pity and Eubank Jr accepted the loss of his family with a stoic grin. “That’s it, that’s the end, it’s finished,” Benn insisted at the ringside. His eyes were bright and his face clear. “I’m chasing world titles now.” That is Benn’s plan.Eubank Jr, his face marked and his pride dented, complimented Benn, refused to talk about his future but did mention a potential reason for his loss. “I have been through hell in training camp,” He said. He said nothing more. I feel that I have to make it clear that there was not a single mention during the intense week of the fight of an injury of any kind; Eubank Jr looked fit, but he was off the pace from the fight’s opening seconds. He never seemed to get into a groove, and never appeared comfortable. In round 2, he began looking at the large screen above the boxing ring in order to see how much time was left. He fought with a hesitant man, a man whose mind was elsewhere. He fought bravely under careful fire at times, hitting at will. Benn never made a mistake and finished spectacularly, twice looking down at Eubank Jr. spread out on the canvas during the final round. “All my life I have had this rivalry – it’s done now,” He insisted. When a discussion of a trilogy erupted an hour later he shrugged it off and said: “Who knows? Money talks.” Yes, it does. Eubank Jr. refused to discuss a trilogy, the future of his career or why he lost every round. “It’s Conor’s night, the better man one. Let him celebrate,” Open image in gallery (Getty Images)Benn has options for a world title fight at welterweight, which he insists is still the optimum weight. Benn is considering a welterweight world title fight, which is his preferred weight. He would have to drop thirteen pounds to secure a fight with Belfast’s IBF champion, Lewis Crocker. This fight may be held outdoors in May or even June next year. A domestic rivalry is always a good idea, even if there are other champions who can be beaten. Benn’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, was shielding calls at midnight; Benn is now officially one of boxing’s cash cows and a fight with him will be lucrative. Champions know this. DAZN offers 185+ boxing matches a year. Don’t miss any of the top promotions. Watch anywhere and anytime on your device. Buy NowADVERTISEMENT. We will receive commission if you subscribe to this service. The revenue generated by this service helps fund the journalism at The Independent.Watch 185+ fights every year on DAZN. The Global Home of Boxing.Never miss an event from top promoters. Watch anywhere, at any time. Buy NowADVERTISEMENT. You will earn commission by signing up for this service. The Independent uses this revenue to support its journalism. Eubank Jr’s future is unclear and he may decide to walk away. The boxer slipped clear of his enigmatic father’s shadow a long time ago and has nothing left to prove in the world of boxing. He revealed recently that he’s about to become the father of twins. Boxing has treated him well and he’s repaid it with some explosive performances, gutsy fights and glory. On Saturday, he appeared like the weary ghost from his April fight with Benn. There may be a reason for what we saw, or it could just be the inevitable outcome of a lifetime spent chasing glory in one of the most brutal and difficult sports. Under the neon light of a fight such as this one or an emotionally charged night such as this, flaws can be seen. open image in gallery(Action Images via Reuters)Eubank Jr should be left to heal, Benn left to celebrate before we ruin their memories by making bold statements about Eubank Jr’s performance. They deserve better than an execution that is casually carried out by those who have the privilege of being seated ringside and on the safe-side of the ropes. Eubank Jr. was a poor performer, but Benn was a superstar. The feud is over and it was a great feud.
2025-11-16 11:35:48