The air crackled with an electricity decades in the making last night in London.
Under the bright lights of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a grudge match steeped in family history, controversy, and immense pressure finally reached its boiling point. Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn, sons of British boxing legends Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn, met on Saturday, April 26th, 2025, to write their own chapter in a rivalry that has captivated the nation for over 30 years. Plagued by delays, accusations, and dramatic weight stipulations, the fight almost never happened. Yet, last night, it delivered a contest worthy of the name, a brutal and enthralling 12-round battle that saw Eubank Jr emerge victorious via unanimous decision, handing Benn his first professional defeat.
This wasn’t just a fight; it was a saga reaching a dramatic climax, leaving fans breathless and already debating the inevitable question: what happens next?
To understand the magnitude of last night’s event, we must revisit the chaotic collapse of the originally scheduled bout in October 2022. Billed as “Born Rivals,” the fight was set to take place at a catchweight of 157lbs – a middle ground between Benn’s natural welterweight (147lbs) and Eubank Jr’s preferred middleweight (160lbs). The weight itself was a major talking point. Eubank Jr, who had competed as high as super-middleweight (168lbs), was cutting down significantly. Concerns were voiced, most notably by his own father, Chris Eubank Sr, who publicly pleaded for the fight not to happen, fearing the detrimental effects of the weight cut on his son’s health and citing the dangers inherent in the sport. Adding another layer of complexity was a strict rehydration clause, reportedly limiting the weight gain allowed between the official weigh-in and a check weigh-in on fight morning, designed to prevent Eubank Jr from gaining too significant a size advantage.
However, these weight concerns were utterly eclipsed just days before the scheduled 2022 fight. News broke that Conor Benn had returned two positive voluntary drug tests for the banned substance Clomifene. The tests, conducted by VADA, sent shockwaves through the sport. Despite Benn protesting his innocence, the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) declared the contest “prohibited.” Although promoters explored ways to proceed, the fight was officially cancelled just 48 hours before the first bell. The fallout was immense. Benn faced fierce criticism and a provisional suspension. His team launched an investigation, leading the WBC controversially suggested months later that a “highly elevated consumption of eggs” might explain the findings – a conclusion met with widespread skepticism. Benn remained sidelined in the UK, however, kept active with two fights in the US while his situation was resolved. Eventually, after legal challenges, his suspension was lifted, clearing the path for him to potentially resume his career in Britain and revisit the Eubank Jr fight.
With Benn cleared, talk inevitably turned back to the Eubank Jr showdown. The appetite remained, perhaps even intensified. Negotiations resumed, and a new date was set: April 26th, 2025, at the much larger Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The terms were slightly different, with the fight contracted at the official middleweight limit of 160lbs. This suited Eubank Jr better, though Benn still had to move up significantly. Crucially, a rehydration clause remained, reportedly limiting fight-day weight to 170lbs. The build-up was predictably intense. Press conferences were fiery, highlighted by Eubank Jr slapping Benn with an egg in February, referencing the earlier controversy. The weigh-in brought more drama: Benn made weight comfortably, Eubank Jr missed the 160lb mark fractionally, incurring a reported £375,000 fine payable to Benn. Despite this, the fight proceeded. Both fighters successfully made the 170lb limit at the fight-day check weigh-in. In a final, unexpected twist, Chris Eubank Sr, previously estranged and critical of the fight, appeared alongside his son for a dramatic ring walk, electrifying the stadium.
As the first bell rang, the roar inside Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was deafening. Eubank Jr, vaulting the ropes in signature style, looked focused. Benn appeared equally intense. Early rounds saw Eubank Jr use his size and reach, establishing the jab. Benn looked to close the distance and unleash his power, landing sharp counters and a notable right cross in the opening round. The fight developed into a fascinating, brutal tactical battle. Eubank Jr mixed disciplined boxing with showmanship, while Benn pressed aggressively. It became a test of wills. The middle rounds were fiercely contested, both men landing telling blows. It was a high-octane, back-and-forth affair praised by pundits for its heart and action. Entering the championship rounds, the pace remained incredibly high. Eubank Jr finished stronger, his conditioning holding up well as he landed cleaner shots in the final stages. The 12th round was particularly wild, a fittingly chaotic end to a fight that lived up to the hype, both men clearly exhausted it felt like family pride was keeping them, both upright, in the process proving the sons could craft their own compelling chapter in the Eubank-Benn story.
After 12 grueling rounds, the decision went to the judges. Michael Buffer announced a unanimous decision for Chris Eubank Jr, with all three judges scoring the bout 116-112. The verdict reflected the view that Eubank Jr’s stronger finish and cleaner work edged a highly competitive fight. Post-fight, Eubank Jr admitted underestimating Benn, however, he still celebrated upholding the family name, clearly moved by his father’s presence. Conor Benn, tasting defeat for the first time (now 23-1), cited inactivity and immediately called for a rematch. Nigel Benn expressed pride for his son.
The dust has barely settled… so what does the future hold? For Chris Eubank Jr (now 35-3), this victory is massive, revitalising his career. He showed resilience and skill, boosting his stock significantly. The most obvious option is the rematch with Benn – commercially huge and desired by many. World title ambitions at middleweight are reignited, and whispers of a lucrative fight against Canelo Alvarez, potentially facilitated by Turki Alalshikh, persist. For Conor Benn (now 23-1), the first loss is a setback, although his valiant performance against a bigger man keeps him relevant. The rematch is his clear preference. Alternatively, he could return to welterweight (147lbs) where he was highly ranked, or campaign at light-middleweight (154lbs). A rebuilding fight might also be considered.
Should there be a rematch? Absolutely.
This fight demanded it – compelling, action-packed, and close enough. The narrative, rivalry, and commercial appeal make it almost inevitable. Expect Eubank Jr vs Benn II to be announced before long.
Last night wasn’t just about settling scores; it was about legacy. Chris Eubank Jr stepped out from his father’s shadow, delivering a career-defining performance under immense pressure. Conor Benn, despite the loss, showed heart and skill, proving his mettle. They resurrected a rivalry and made it their own, delivering a fight that transcended the drama. From the chaos of 2022 to last night’s final bell, the Eubank Jr-Benn saga has once again been pure boxing theatre.
It feels less like an ending and more like the explosive end of Act One, with the promise of an equally dramatic Act Two waiting in the wings.
The rivalry isn’t over; it has simply entered a new, fascinating phase.
The Boxingmadman – follow me on X (Twitter) / Bluesky
The Boxing Mad Man 
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