Benn Closes Eubank Chapter, Looks to Future
British boxer Conor Benn has definitively shut down any possibility of a third fight with Chris Eubank Jr, declaring their long-running family rivalry will conclude this Saturday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The highly anticipated rematch represents the fourth and final chapter in the saga between the sons of British boxing legends Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr.
Benn, known as 'The Destroyer', enters this contest seeking redemption after his defeat to Eubank Jr in their thrilling twelve-round encounter back in April. However, the 29-year-old's ambitions stretch far beyond this weekend's middleweight clash, with his primary focus firmly fixed on securing a world championship belt.
No Trilogy, No More Generations
"Victory and done. There is no trilogy," Benn stated emphatically during preparations for his second professional fight at the 160lbs limit. He made it clear this is the definitive end to the rivalry, adding, "This ends with us, it's not gonna be another generation in 20 years."
Benn expressed his weariness with the prolonged buildup to these fights, revealing he misses pursuing his original career goal. "I've been fed up with this for the last three years! I just look back to the Conor three years ago and I miss chasing the goal, which was being world champion."
The welterweight contender acknowledged the significance of delivering this fight to supporters but emphasised his personal burden. "I am competing at a weight that isn't my weight. I'm glad I can give this fight to the supporters... but for me I feel it heavy on me to get the world title. So, I just can't wait for this to be done, drop back down and close this chapter in my career and move on."
Eubank's Future in Doubt, Benn's Path Clear
While mapping out his own future, Benn cast significant doubt on Eubank Jr's career prospects beyond their rematch. With this being Eubank Jr's 39th professional bout, Benn believes their first fight took a substantial physical toll on the 36-year-old.
"Yeah, I think he is done. Not because of me, but I think I have taken a lot out of him from that first fight," Benn asserted. "I am a smaller guy who put him in hospital for three days. I know he won the fight but if you look at the collective of punches he threw versus how many I threw, I was back in the gym on Sunday. He was in hospital for three days."
Benn questioned what options remain for his rival, stating, "So, where does he go from here? Fight Janibek (Alimkhanuly) for quarter of the money? Fight (Hamzah) Sheeraz for quarter of the money?"
In contrast, Benn's own trajectory is precisely defined. He plans a summer return to the 147lbs welterweight division, though he acknowledges the physical challenge of dropping back down. This sets the stage for an eventual challenge for the WBC welterweight title, currently held by Mario Barrios.
"I reckon I have got two fights at 147. I am sparring light-heavyweights and having no issues at all," Benn insisted, demonstrating his confidence and versatility. "I still want to do things in the game for myself that I want to achieve."
Reflecting on his career journey, Benn added, "If you told me after I fought that French guy who put me down, (Cedrick) Peynaud, if I had said then, 'I can get a world title,' all you would say, 'what are you smoking?' So, for me to go and do that, it sort of cements my own legacy. Barrios for the WBC title. If he fights (Ryan) Garcia, the winner but the WBC title is something that's really driven me."
