Their desire to uphold their fathers’ famous legacy and rivalry was strong. It seemed like they would pull it off in October of 2022. However, reports regarding Conor Benn‘s drug controversy spoiled the chances of a fight with Chris Eubank Jr. With Nigel Benn‘s son still having to defend himself against the suspension following the UKAD and BBBofC appeal, the possibility of a fight anytime soon remains unclear. The situation doesn’t imply that the differences between the two ebbed; it was only looking for that opportunity to flare up.
In Riyadh, the duo got the chance to confront each other. And it couldn’t have happened at the most opportune of times. Roughly a year after he exacted revenge on Liam Smith, ‘Next Gen’ will step into the ring to face the Polish fighter Kamil Szeremeta for the IBO super middle title on Saturday night. No prizes for guessing scores of fans dived in with an unhinged reaction as they saw the clips of Eubank Jr. and Benn engaged in a tense confrontation.
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“Conor Benn SHOVES Chris Eubank Jr. as they clash in person today: “I’m going to f*** you up; you’re a dead boy walking,” read Michael Benson‘s tweet. It featured Eubank Jr., all smiles staring at Conor Benn, who appeared to be doing most of the talking.
Eubank Jr. and Szeremeta are fighting on the Arter Beterbiev–Dmitry Bivol undercard. It appears the incident took place at the final weigh-ins. Footage from iFL TV reveals that while he was discussing with Eddie Hearn, Conor Benn’s attention turned to the ‘Next Gen’. “Hey Chris, don’t f**k up the bag, son, don’t f**k up the bag, don’t f**k up the bag, don’t f**k up the bag,” walking towards Eubank Jr., he loudly called out.
‼️ Conor Benn SHOVES Chris Eubank Jr as they clash in person today: “I’m gonna f*** you up, you’re a dead boy walking.”
[🎥 @ChrisEubankJr] pic.twitter.com/OiWTZ1QsYv
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) October 11, 2024
Smiling, Chris Eubank‘s son moved towards his rival. Looking at the camera, Eubank Jr. said, “You see this guy comes in when I’m cutting weight.” Then menacingly, Conor Benn told him that he would meet him after the fight. Surprisingly, he expressed hope in Eubank Jr. winning the fight against Szeremeta. In the future, when they fight in front of over sixty thousand people back home, he would give him a sound drubbing.
What’s your perspective on:
Does the Benn vs. Eubank Jr. rivalry live up to their fathers' legendary clashes, or is it all hype?
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Benn continued, “That’s what’s going to happen. I’ll be there tomorrow. I’ll see you tomorrow night. Then I’ll see you tomorrow night then. Arrogant pr**k!” Considering that Eubank Jr. has a fight in hand, perhaps it wouldn’t have been prudent to allow the matters to escalate. So, following discretion, he and his associates casually walked away.
Simply not done. Conor Benn
Clearly, Benn’s reaction left many followers surprised. Let’s check what some of them had to say.
This user seems to suspect deeper issues relating to Benn’s emotional state. They felt that it was ‘something’ that went beyond the often reported anger related to banned substance usage. The user said, “He’s constantly angry. Something seriously wrong with him, and it’s not just the roid rage.”
But the exchange seemingly uplifted the next one’s hopes. Anticipating the fight between Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn in the near future, they said, “It’s only a matter of time until this fight gets made. Should be a good one when it happens.”
But Benn’s conduct appears to have resonated negatively with this follower, who found it completely unacceptable. “F**ng no class whatsoever, Conor Benn. Common lowlife street thug. Have some f**ng decency.”
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Given the frequent criticisms against him, this user felt that perhaps following Conor Benn’s outburst, a few may now root for Eubank Jr. They said, “One of few occasions everyone will be united in hoping Eubank JR delivers a showreel KO.”
Echoing similar sentiments, this follower too expressed hopes that more fans would flock toward Eubank Jr.’s side after the unsavory incident. “Conor Benn has somehow managed to make himself even more unlikeable than Eubank Jr.—incredible really,” the follower said.
Though Conor Benn returned to boxing last year, it’s worth noting that the bouts occurred outside the United Kingdom.
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The National Anti-Doping Panel lifted his suspension last year. But the United Kingdom Anti-Doping (UKAD) and British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) challenged the decision. As a result, the boxer found himself back under ban. This month, following a hearing with the BBBofC, he will get to know whether he can finally resume his career or not.
If Conor Benn is cleared, do you feel a fight with Chris Eubank Jr. should happen early next year?
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Debate
Does the Benn vs. Eubank Jr. rivalry live up to their fathers' legendary clashes, or is it all hype?