The intense rivalry between the Benn and Eubank families has exploded back into the spotlight, proving some battles are never truly over. This comes after Conor Benn secured a unanimous decision victory over Chris Eubank Jr in their highly anticipated rematch at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, avenging his loss from seven months prior.
A Legacy of Bad Blood
While the sons settled their score in the ring, the animosity between their fathers, Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr, remains as potent as it was 35 years ago during their own two-fight series. The old fires were stoked throughout the fight week, culminating in a tense and unexpected face-off last Thursday where the veteran fighters pointedly refused to shake hands.
Nigel Benn, now 61, who famously spoke of his 'hate' for Eubank during their fighting prime, did not hold back in his post-fight assessment of his 59-year-old long-time foe. He expressed deep frustration with Eubank Sr's behaviour, accusing him of revelling in the spotlight at the expense of genuine concern for his son.
"A Right Prat": Nigel Benn's Explosive Accusations
Recounting the ill-fated face-off, Benn Sr revealed his attempt to extend an olive branch was met with rejection. "I thought, 'Let me just shake your hand', so I pulled him in for a hug and he put his hand up to me," Benn stated. This incident set the tone for the rest of their interactions.
When Eubank Sr later attempted to shake hands on fight night, Benn refused to engage. "I ain't playing your games, mate," he declared. The animosity runs so deep that Benn asserted, "I don't think I'll even speak to him again, because I find him a right prat."
He further criticised Eubank's character, labelling him an 'idiot' and taking aim at his habit of quoting scripture. "He tries to quote scripture and all that, he don't even know what he is talking about," Benn claimed, concluding that he is "sick to death of them" and relieved the chapter is now closed.
Victory in the Ring, Unresolved Tension Outside
The focus should have been solely on Conor Benn's dominant performance that secured his redemption on Saturday night. However, the enduring and very public feud between the fathers ensured the narrative extended far beyond the boxing ring. This latest chapter proves that for the Benn and Eubank dynasties, the fight continues long after the final bell has sounded.
