Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr. are finally expected to face off on April 26 in London, according to sources cited by ESPN’s Mike Coppinger. The bout, postponed since 2022 when Benn tested positive for a banned substance, will reportedly take place at middleweight with a same-day rehydration cap of 170 pounds. This weight is notably higher than Benn’s usual welterweight limit but still requires Eubank Jr. to slim down from the super middleweight division.
Though promoter Eddie Hearn calls it the biggest fight in British boxing now that Tyson Fury says he’s retired, some people on the internet aren’t as excited. Many see the matchup primarily fueled by the legacies of their famous fathers - Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr. - rather than a clash of proven contenders in the ring. Benn is undefeated but relatively untested at elite level, while Eubank has competed against top fighters but was beaten by the likes of George Groves and Billy Joe Saunders.
Despite internet criticism, the fight will likely draw substantial attention, owing to the pair’s well-known rivalry and the historical connection between their families. Expect fireworks in the build-up, as Benn and Eubank Jr. both enjoy trading verbal jabs.
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Image Credit: Sky Sports