Conor Benn has declared a profound shift in his mentality ahead of his highly anticipated rematch with Chris Eubank Jr, stating the "red mist" that clouded their first encounter has been replaced by a zen-like calm.
From Bitter Rage to Calculated Cool
Benn was defeated by Eubank Jr on points seven months ago in a grudge match fuelled by a near three-year feud. Reflecting on that loss, Benn admits he fought with raw, unchecked emotion, driven by a "seek-and-destroy" mentality that he believed would end his rival's career.
He now reveals that his lengthy and expensive battle to clear his name after two failed drug tests had left him consumed with bitterness. Benn openly questions whether he was mentally prepared to fight at all during their first bout, describing himself as "still healing, troubled, disturbed, restless and angry."
A New Tactical Focus for the Final Chapter
The second chapter of this family feud, spanning 35 years since their fathers first fought, is set for Saturday night at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Benn acknowledges he will start as the underdog but is confident he can avenge his father's two losses to Chris Eubank Sr.
"I still don't like him, but I feel very differently now," Benn stated. "I'm a very emotional guy and it's down to me to keep my emotions at bay which I have done, up to now. You can see his antics already and to me he looks worried because he's clutching at straws to try and get me going, but I don't feel like that's me anymore."
He emphasised a complete change in his preparation, focusing on disciplined tactics rather than swinging for a knockout. "I've worked religiously on tactics in the gym, I'm not going in there swinging this time," he said, contrasting it with his previous mindset where he couldn't even tell if he was winning rounds because he "just wanted to hammer him."
Fighting for Family Pride
Benn recognises the immense pressure of not just fighting for himself, but for his family's legacy. His ultimate motivation for taking the rematch is simple and resolute: he believes he can win.
"Ultimately, I took the fight because I believe I can beat the man," Benn asserted. "I've not sacrificed what I have just to lose; especially not publicly and especially not to a Eubank."
With his personal demons in check and a new strategic approach, Benn steps into the ring this weekend not as the angry, bitter fighter of seven months ago, but as a calculated contender determined to finally settle the score.
