Benn Seeks Redemption in Eubank Jr Rematch
Conor Benn steps back into the ring tonight determined to exact revenge on Chris Eubank Jr in their highly anticipated rematch at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Seven months after being outpointed in their first encounter, Benn returns with renewed confidence that he can reverse the result and finally secure a Benn victory over an Eubank, something that eluded his famous father in their two legendary 1990s battles.
The welterweight contender has vowed this will be the final chapter in the family rivalry before he mounts a world title assault in his natural weight class next year. Having fought just twice in three years before his April defeat, Benn believes he now possesses the tools to hand the Eubank family their first loss to a Benn.
Expert Analysis: How Benn Can Triumph
We spoke to three former world champions who provided exclusive insight into the tactical adjustments Benn must make to overcome his rival at the second time of asking.
Tony Bellew: Pace and Precision Are Key
Tony Bellew revealed the emotional toll Benn's previous defeat took, stating he witnessed the fighter's heartbreak firsthand in the dressing room afterwards. Bellew emphasised that Benn must learn to pace the fight better, having now experienced what it takes to compete for twelve rounds at championship intensity.
"He thought he could tire Eubank Jr out," Bellew noted, adding that Benn needs to capitalise on moments when he hurts his opponent. "When you've hurt someone as badly as he hurt Chris in the third and fifth rounds, let your hands go and go for the finish." Bellew believes that if Benn implements the correct strategy, Eubank Jr will tire first as "a middleweight cannot fight at a welterweight's pace."
Carl Froch: Avoid Erratic Exchanges
Carl Froch advised Benn to take his time and avoid being too erratic in his approach. He acknowledged the difficulty in drawing Eubank Jr into fights, describing him as a "reactive fighter" who will counter aggressively when attacked.
"In his head, if he gets hit by two or three shots, he has to throw four or five back to make sure he is getting the better of the exchanges," Froch explained of Eubank Jr's mentality. However, he cautioned that this approach doesn't always work. Froch identified Benn's previous performance as too one-dimensional, wasting energy by repeating the same tactics round after round. His solution? "If he tidies it up and slows it down and picks his shots... when Eubank Jr throws, he has to meet him as he comes in and go with him then move."
George Groves: Master the Jab and Set Traps
George Groves focused on technical improvements, stressing that a better jab is crucial for Benn's success. "If Conor Benn comes out with a better jab, a range-finding jab and varies the power with a lot of feints, he might settle into the fight quicker and he might be fresher down the stretch," Groves analysed.
He believes these adjustments could even lead to a stoppage victory for Benn. Groves recommended specific tactical changes: "He has to set better traps and then be more selective with his punch power. He can't afford to waste power punches on Eubank Jr." His strategic advice included targeting the body: "I would punch to the chest and stomach as those are targets that don't move much. And then when he has success, he can switch to the chin." Most importantly, Groves warned that Benn must avoid being dragged into another dog-fight.
The Stakes at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Tonight's showdown represents more than just another boxing match for both fighters. For Benn, it's an opportunity to rectify what he views as a wrong from their first meeting and to finally establish bragging rights in a rivalry that has spanned generations. For Eubank Jr, it's a chance to prove his previous victory was no fluke and to solidify his dominance in the ongoing family saga.
With both fighters having had seven months to analyse and adjust, the November 15th rematch promises to deliver a tactical battle far removed from their first encounter. Boxing fans can watch the action unfold through DAZN Ultimate, which is offering the pay-per-view event free for new subscribers.
