Nigel Benn has declared he will never speak to his historic rival Chris Eubank Sr again, following his son Conor Benn's decisive points victory over Chris Eubank Jr on Saturday night. This win finally secured a triumph for the Benn family in a bitter boxing rivalry that has spanned 35 years.
A Rivalry Settled in the Ring
The long-awaited victory for the Benns came after Nigel Benn himself failed to defeat Eubank Sr in their two iconic bouts during the 1990s. Their first fight in Birmingham ended in a loss for Benn, followed by a controversial draw in their Manchester rematch. The torch was passed to a new generation earlier this year, when Conor Benn lost his first encounter with a Eubank in April. However, he avenged that defeat emphatically with a lop-sided points win in the grudge rematch.
The Final Straw: A Tense Face-Off
The animosity between the fathers was reignited just days before the fight during a mock face-off. Benn Sr revealed that Eubank Sr used the event to accuse him of lying about being paid to appear at their sons' first fight. This accusation proved to be the final straw for Nigel Benn.
He launched a scathing attack, stating, "He is dancing because he loves the limelight. He doesn't care about his son, he just loves the limelight." Benn described an attempt at a conciliatory hug that was rebuffed, with Eubank Sr putting a hand up. This led to Benn's own rejection of a handshake after the fight, a symbolic end to their dealings. "I don't think I'll even speak to him again, because I find him a right prat," Benn declared.
A Legacy of Disrespect and Moaning
Benn's criticism extended beyond their personal clash to the general conduct of the Eubanks. He accused Eubank Sr of being disingenuous, "He tries to quote scripture and all that, he don't even know what he is talking about." He also condemned the disrespect he believes both Eubanks show, contrasting it with the respect he and his contemporaries had for promoters like Frank Warren.
He also took aim at what he sees as constant excuses, particularly around fight weight, saying, "He's been a middleweight for how many years? He has been IBO champion, but as soon as he fights a welterweight, oh we have problems. Always bloody moaning."
Expressing his overwhelming frustration, Benn concluded, "I tell you what, I'm sick to death of them to tell the truth and I am glad it's over now." With the family score finally settled, Nigel Benn appears determined to close this chapter of his life for good, leaving the Eubanks and their drama behind.
