Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn: How a 35-Year Boxing Rivalry Is Reigniting Today
More than 30 years after their fathers faced off, Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn are preparing to renew one of British boxing’s most well-known rivalries. They are scheduled to meet on April 26, 2025, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, in a match shaped by history, family ties, and real competitive tension.
A Grudge Match
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Before pay-per-view and social media, British boxing had a rivalry that needed no promotion. Nigel Benn, a former Army serviceman, fought with raw strength and relentless aggression, and ultimately earned a reputation for quick knockouts. Opposite him stood Chris Eubank Sr., a skilled fighter known as much for his boxing ability as for his confident style outside the ring.
First Benn vs. Eubank Clash
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On November 18, 1990, Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr. met at the NEC in Birmingham after months of buildup. The two rivals carried real animosity into the ring. By the fifth round, Eubank had badly cut his tongue, and Benn’s eye was badly swollen, but both kept fighting without hesitation.
Eubank Sr.’s Victory
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Round nine decided it. Eubank landed a clean combination that left Benn unsteady, prompting the referee to step in with just five seconds remaining. The stoppage made Eubank the new champion and established their rivalry as one of British boxing’s most memorable.
“Judgment Day” Rematch
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Old Trafford had never seen anything quite like it. More than 42,000 fans roared for “Judgment Day,” the blockbuster rematch between Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr on October 9, 1993. Benn held the WBC super middleweight belt, Eubank had the WBO title, and both were fighting for a spot under Don King’s promotional banner.
Controversial Draw
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“Judgment Day” was meant to settle the score between Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr., but all it really settled was that the rivalry still had legs. The fight ended in a razor-thin split draw, with Benn losing a critical point for low blows. Without it, many believed the win would’ve been his.
Feud Fuels Headlines
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Their first fight made major headlines and dominated nightly sports coverage, while the disputed draw in their 1993 rematch kept the rivalry in the news for weeks. Promoters like Barry Hearn and Ambrose Mendy helped build the tension and millions watched on TV.
Third Fight Fizzles
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A third fight was proposed, with a reported £6 million purse at Wembley, but it never materialized. Interest faded, contracts were never finalized, and the trilogy was abandoned. Don King had planned to sign both fighters, regardless of the result, but the draw complicated the negotiations and stalled any future plans.
Legacy Rekindled
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British boxing hasn’t seen a rivalry quite like it since, but Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr. are continuing the story. Tension between the families has been building for years. In 2016, a press conference between Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Sr. turned heated, with both trading personal remarks about family and lifestyle. No titles were at stake, but pride was clearly on the line.
Sons’ Boxing Pedigree
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Eubank Jr., with a record of 34–3 and 25 knockouts, developed his skills under the influence of his father but has built a strong career of his own. Conor Benn, entering the fight undefeated at 23–0 with 14 knockouts, brings a style of aggression similar to the one that made his father known as the “Destroyer.”
2022 Fight Collapse
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In October 2022, Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr. were scheduled to fight at London’s O2 Arena in a catchweight bout set at 157 pounds — a weight Eubank Jr. had never fought at before. Excitement was high, but the fight was canceled after Benn failed a screening test.
Eubank Sr.’s Opposition
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Chris Eubank Sr. strongly opposed the fight from the start. Before the bout was even confirmed, he warned that the weight cut was dangerous and urged the boxing board to revoke his son’s license. He made it clear he did not support the match. Now, the two fighters are set to meet on April 26 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Second Chance Bout
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The original 2022 fight was canceled after Conor Benn received a suspension. Now, with a new date confirmed, both fighters are set to move forward. Eubank Jr. aims to step out from his father’s shadow, while Benn looks to defend his unbeaten record.
Final Showdown
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The fight is set at 160 pounds with a 170-pound rehydration limit. Conor Benn moves up two weight classes to face Chris Eubank Jr., an experienced middleweight. The match will air live on DAZN pay-per-view.