The long-awaited second chapter in one of British boxing's most compelling rivalries is set to unfold this Saturday night. Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn are poised for their rematch at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, reigniting a family feud that has captivated the nation for decades.
A Legacy Forged in the Ring
This inter-generational conflict traces its roots back to the 1990s, when their fathers, Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr, battled in two epic world-title contests. The first fight saw Eubank Sr secure a technical knockout in the ninth round in Birmingham. Their second encounter at Manchester's Old Trafford concluded in a dramatic split decision draw, leaving the rivalry unresolved.
Following years of anticipation, the sons finally met in the ring this past April at the same North London venue. In a decisive outcome, all three judges scored the fight 116-112 in favour of Chris Eubank Jr, handing Conor Benn the first professional loss of his previously unblemished career. Now, Benn seeks redemption and aims to avoid a second consecutive defeat against the more experienced Eubank Jr.
Fight Night Schedule and Undercard Action
For fans eager to catch the action, the entire event is scheduled to begin at 5pm. However, the main event, featuring Eubank Jr and Benn, is not expected to start until approximately 10pm. The dramatic ring-walks, a spectacle in themselves, are projected to get underway from around 9:35pm.
The event boasts a stacked undercard filled with compelling matchups. The supporting acts include a welterweight bout between Jack Catterall and Ekow Essuman, and a light-welterweight contest featuring Adam Azim against Kurt Scoby. The heavyweight division will see Richard Riakporhe take on Tommy Welch, while Sam Gilley and Ishmael Davis will contest the British and Commonwealth super-welterweight titles. Kicking off the proceedings will be a super-flyweight fight between Mikie Tallon and Fezan Shahid.
Expert Predictions and Fighter Profiles
Following his commanding performance in their first fight, Chris Eubank Jr is the clear favourite to win the rematch. The 35-year-old veteran brings a record of 35 wins from 38 fights into the ring, along with a significant size and experience advantage over his 28-year-old rival.
Despite the odds, Benn has his supporters. Former world champion Tony Bellew has publicly backed Conor Benn to secure victory. In his analysis for BBC Sport, Bellew suggested the rematch will be about “who wants to go into the fire first,” a scenario he believes favours the younger Benn. He noted that Eubank Jr, having endured a gruelling first fight, may be reluctant to revisit that punishing pace, especially at this stage of his career.
This Saturday night, the eyes of the boxing world will be fixed on North London as these two warriors write the next verse in their families' storied history.
