Conor Benn has declared his intention to end his long-running boxing rivalry with Chris Eubank Jr, stating there will be no third fight regardless of the outcome of their highly-anticipated rematch tonight at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
A Chapter Closing at Tottenham
The bitter feud between the fighters' families, reignited in the modern era, reaches another crescendo on Saturday, November 15. This second act comes after Eubank Jr secured a points victory over Benn in April, handing Benn the first professional defeat of his career. A win for Benn tonight would leave the scorecard locked at one win apiece, setting the stage for a potential decider that the public would undoubtedly crave.
However, Benn is resolute in his decision to walk away. He has confirmed that after this bout, he will leave the middleweight division behind and drop back to his natural welterweight class of 147lb to pursue his ultimate goal: a world championship.
The Drive for Legacy Over Finances
Expressing his weariness with the protracted saga, Benn revealed his primary motivation is legacy, not further financial reward. "I've been fed up with this for the past three years," Benn admitted. He reflected on his original career objective, stating, "I miss chasing the goal, which was being world champion."
He acknowledged the spectacle for the fans, saying, "I'm glad that I can give this fight to the supporters," but emphasised the personal toll of competing above his optimal weight. His focus is firmly on the future. "I just can't wait for this to be done and really drop back down and close this chapter on my career and move on. Victory, done. No trilogy."
A Personal Mission to Cement His Legacy
Benn directly addressed the financial lure of a third mega-fight, questioning its importance compared to sporting achievement. "You sit there and you go, how much money do you need in comparison to getting a world title and having an opportunity there?" he pondered.
For Benn, the world title represents a deeply personal accomplishment. "That cements my legacy for me, not for anybody else, just for me," he explained, recalling the early doubts about his potential. He sees winning a championship as the ultimate validation of his journey in the sport, a far cry from simply "cashing in" on a popular rivalry.
