Conor Benn vs Chris Eubank Jr Finalized For October 8
Matchroom Boxing has announced that Chris Eubank Jr (32-2, 23 KOs) will face Conor Benn (20-0, 13 KOs) on October 8 at the O2 Arena in London, England. It will happen at a catch-weight of 156-pounds and air live on DAZN pay-per-view.
A fight between the two has been a topic of discussion by British fans and pundits for years. It became a serious possibility following Eubank Jr’s twelve-round decision victory over Liam Williams in February 2022. Benn took to social media to declare he’d like his chances in a battle with Eubank.
RELATED: Conor Benn To Chris Eubank Jr: “I Fancy My Chances At A Catch-Weight!”
From there, negotiations began. Because Benn normally fights at 147 and Eubank Jr currently campaigns at 160 pounds, a fair and suitable fight weight had to be agreed to by all parties. Once both camps agreed on a specific catch-weight, negotiations carried on without any other major hiccups.
NOT JUST ANY OTHER BATTLE
Benn vs Eubank Jr is a legacy fight. Their fathers, Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr, are two of the greatest fighters in British boxing history who helped define the decade of UK boxing in the 1990s. Bitter rivals during their fighting days, they staged epic bouts with one another in November 1990 and October 1993. In their first clash, Eubank stopped Benn in nine rounds. Their rematch ended up in a disputed split-decision draw.
Now their sons are getting ready to clash. During an exclusive interview with Matchroom, Benn touched on that legacy aspect. In his mind, it’s both business and deeply personal.
“Winning this fight clarifies and cements the Benn legacy. The last fight, I believe my dad should have won. The whole world believes that […] You know, it’s time for the sons to sell the business and set the score straight. I believe without a shadow of a doubt I’m having my hand raised at the end of this.”
CONFIDENT OF VICTORY
The topic of size will loom heavily as the fight draws closer. Eubank Jr is the naturally bigger and stronger fighter. He’s fought at middleweight and super middleweight during his career. But Benn is unbothered. Fully confident in his boxing ability and punching power, he said he’s not only going to win but do something no other fighter has done before.
“Call me delusional, call me very confident, call me what you want. I believe I could be the first man to stop Chris.”
Their fathers staged epic battles when they fought. Will it be a repeat when their sons lock horns? Look for emotions to be at a fever pitch at the O2 in October.
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By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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