Legacy Rivalry Reaches Climax in London
The intense boxing rivalry between the sons of British legends continues this Saturday night at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in North London. Just seven months after their first encounter, Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn are set to run it back, with boxing expert Barry McGuigan offering his decisive prediction for the highly anticipated grudge match.
The Weighty Issue and Fight Dynamics
The same unique conditions from their first bout are in play, presenting a significant challenge for both fighters. The contest is set at a catchweight of 160 pounds, with a strict ten-pound gain limit imposed for the following morning. McGuigan identifies this as a critical factor, especially for the older Eubank Jr.
"Eubank’s best days were at 168 pounds," McGuigan notes, highlighting the natural physical changes that come with age. "As you get older you thicken and put on weight, so Eubank is facing the same difficulty making weight and dealing with the consequences. It will be tough." Eubank Jr, now 36, has had several hard nights in the ring, and signs of struggle were evident in the latter stages of the first fight.
McGuigan's Blueprint for Victory
Analysing the first fight, which Eubank Jr won via unanimous decision, McGuigan believes Benn now holds the key to victory. The fight was typical of Eubank Jr's style: starting sharp but tiring down the stretch. McGuigan suggests Eubank Jr must bank the early rounds and focus on maintaining composure as fatigue sets in later.
For Benn, the path is clear. "Benn will have analysed the last fight and realised he did not get on the gas quickly enough," states McGuigan. "He has to be aggressive, take the fight to Eubank from the outset, stay on top of him, throwing punches non-stop." McGuigan is confident that Benn's trainer, Tony Simms, will have identified these crucial adjustments.
The central weapon in Benn's arsenal should be his jab. "Benn must apply intelligent pressure behind a rapier jab," McGuigan advises. "The old saying, that the jab will get you around the world, is true. It is the most important punch in the book." This initial investment in pressure, triggering rolling combinations delivered at pace, is expected to pay dividends in the second half of the fight.
The Final Verdict
While acknowledging the risk of Benn getting caught, McGuigan sees this as an inherent part of the sport. He views this rematch as an amazing opportunity for Conor Benn to clean the slate and post a famous win.
Barry McGuigan's prediction is decisive: he believes Conor Benn will emerge victorious. Furthermore, it would not surprise him if Benn finishes the fight inside the distance, bringing a dramatic close to this chapter of their family rivalry.
