The long-standing and bitter rivalry between the Eubank and Benn families erupted once again during a dramatic four-way face-off, setting the stage for the next chapter in their 35-year boxing saga.
A Legacy of Rivalry Reignited
Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn, whose own ferocious battles defined British boxing three decades ago, shared the stage with their sons, Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn. The fathers, central figures in one of the sport's most intense historical rivalries, saw Eubank Sr win their first bout, while the rematch ended in a controversial draw. Now, thirty-five years later, their sons are poised to write their own sequel in a highly anticipated fight in London this Saturday night.
The event was meant to focus on the younger generation, but the fathers quickly upstaged them. This reunion comes just months after the Eubanks reconciled ahead of Chris Jr's points victory over Conor Benn seven months ago, having previously not spoken for four years.
Explosive Allegations and Denials
The tension peaked when Chris Eubank Sr launched into a vehement denial of claims that he was paid to appear at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium back in April. Addressing Benn directly, he stated, "You can't pay me anything. I'm here for heart, love, what I've lived by throughout my career." He invoked a higher principle, saying his conduct was guided by patience and kindness, and accused Benn of being a liar for propagating the false payment story.
"Whoever told Nigel I was paid, whatever sum of money, they lied to you," Eubank Sr declared. "You spouting what they've told you makes you a liar... who in the future is going to believe you on anything you say?"
In response, Nigel Benn attempted to deflect the focus back to the upcoming fight. "It's not about me; it's about my son and Chris Jr," Benn said. "I'm not taking it on board, it's going over my head. What he has or hasn't done doesn't bother me, but I'll have it all day long with him."
The Sons Back Their Fathers
Earlier in the proceedings, Chris Eubank Jr also addressed the accusations, coming to his father's defence. He called out promoter Eddie Hearn, Conor, and Nigel Benn directly, labelling their claims as "bare-faced lies."
"[These are] extremely disrespectful to my father and myself, and the Saudis to imply they'd pay him to do that," Eubank Jr stated, firmly denying that any such payment ever occurred and demanding the Benns stop lying to the public.
With the heated exchange setting a combative tone, all eyes are now on the ring this Saturday night as the sons look to settle a score that has spanned generations.
