The long-awaited rematch between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn is set to ignite once more, as the sons of British boxing royalty continue a family feud that has captivated the nation for decades.
Three decades after their fathers, Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn, fought two legendary bouts, the legacy continues. Their first encounter in April 2025 saw Eubank Jr emerge victorious, mirroring his father's win in Birmingham back in 1990. For Benn, the 29-year-old is desperate to avenge his sole career defeat and restore family pride in this inevitable second showdown.
What the Experts Are Saying
Ahead of the fight, major questions hang in the air. Can Eubank Jr perform after the gruelling process of cutting weight to below 160lbs? Does Benn possess the genuine power to hurt his rival? And will the seven-year age gap between the two be a decisive factor this time? Metro sought answers from four of British boxing's biggest names from the last twenty years.
Carl Froch: Benn to Triumph
Carl Froch, the former super-middleweight world champion, believes the first fight took too much out of Eubank Jr. "I don't think Chris has it in him again," Froch stated. "That was a hard fight first time around, he took a lot of shots, his face was swelled up and he took a lot of weight off. He will come back a lesser fighter and Benn is coming back a more well-rounded fighter." Froch's prediction is clear: Benn is the improved fighter, while Eubank has declined.
Tony Bellew: The Toll of Damage
Former cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew focused on the physical toll Eubank Jr endured. He highlighted that Eubank's post-fight hospital visit wasn't solely due to dehydration but also the significant punishment he absorbed. "He absorbed more damage in that fight than he has done in a long while," Bellew said. "The damage he took in April will show in this fight." This suggests Eubank Jr may not be the same resilient force he once was.
George Groves: A Change in Tactics
George Groves, another former super-middleweight king, argued that Conor Benn needs to alter his approach. "Conor Benn needs to take Chris Eubank Jr out of his comfort zone and make it a dog fight," Groves advised. He believes Benn will be calmer without the nervous energy of the first fight and has learned from his technical mistakes. Crucially, Groves suspects Eubank’s will might not be there this time, giving Benn a critical edge.
David Haye: Eubank to Edge It
Offering a contrasting view, former cruiserweight and heavyweight champion David Haye still leans towards Eubank Jr. "I feel Eubank will win this fight on points, if not points a late stoppage," Haye predicted. While he acknowledged Benn's firepower and the danger of a sudden combination, his final assessment was clear: "If I was putting a bet on it would be for Chris Eubank to get the win again." David Haye provided his analysis as a brand ambassador for HighBet.
The predictions from these boxing legends set the stage for a dramatic night. With opinions divided, the rematch promises to deliver answers to all the burning questions surrounding these two fierce rivals.
