The stage is set for an explosive showdown at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday night, as two of British boxing’s most talked-about fighters, Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn, face off in a grudge match years in the making.
After more than two years of anticipation, the fight that was initially scrapped in 2022 due to Benn’s failed drug tests is finally happening.
But with tensions higher than ever, this bout is about more than just family legacy—it’s personal.
Let’s dive into what we can expect from this high-stakes battle, as boxing legend Johnny Nelson breaks down the key factors at play.
The Weight Debate: A Major Setback for Eubank Jr.
For Eubank Jr., the drama began before he even stepped into the ring. He arrived the day before the fight still carrying a small amount of excess weight, which resulted in a hefty £375,000 fine.
While the weight discrepancy might seem minor—a mere 0.05lbs over the limit—it could have a major impact on the fight’s outcome.
This small mistake could prove costly for Eubank Jr., as failing to make weight can lead to serious physical tolls. Cutting weight is never easy, and the stress of doing so may have drained him more than expected.
This could leave him feeling fatigued and vulnerable when the bell rings, which is a dangerous place to be in a high-intensity fight like this.
What’s more, this bout is set at middleweight, and there’s a clause stating fighters cannot be more than 10lbs over the 160lbs limit by the re-weigh in on Saturday morning.
Eubank Jr. may have to face another fine, but it’s a risk he might take if it means entering the fight in a more favorable condition.
What Each Fighter Brings to the Table
Eubank Jr.’s Strengths:
Chris Eubank Jr. has the advantage in height, weight, reach, and experience.
With a more seasoned background, including facing top-tier opponents like Billy Joe Saunders and George Groves, his ring knowledge and ability to handle pressure are undeniable.
However, his challenge lies in maintaining his composure after his weigh-in slip-up.
Benn’s Strengths:
Conor Benn, though moving up in weight from his career as a welterweight, brings a level of speed, fitness, and an aggressive, forward-moving style.
He’s known for charging at opponents with intensity, like a shark attacking its prey.
His approach makes him more of a fighter than a technician—he’s unlikely to outbox Eubank Jr., but in a brawl, he could hold his own.
Mentally, Benn feels confident, especially with Eubank Jr.’s weight struggles.
He believes this gives him the edge, particularly in terms of energy.
Weaknesses and Challenges
Benn’s Inactivity:
Despite his strengths, Benn’s inactivity in recent years could prove to be his biggest weakness.
He hasn’t had enough fights to stay sharp and adjust to the demands of this middleweight clash.
Though he has the physical tools, he will still need to work harder to get within striking distance of the taller Eubank Jr.
Eubank Jr.’s Vulnerabilities:
On the other hand, Eubank Jr. has question marks surrounding his physical state after missing weight.
His stamina could be compromised, and there are concerns about his chin after being caught by Liam Smith’s punches in a previous fight. Age could also be a factor, with Eubank Jr. being seven years older than Benn.
Depending on the tempo of the fight, age and physical condition could tip the scales.
Mental Game: Who Holds the Advantage?
Throughout the lead-up to the fight, Eubank Jr. has controlled the narrative, showing up late to press conferences and keeping the focus on him.
However, his casual attitude towards making weight has cost him dearly, and this nonchalance could now work against him.
Benn’s camp, led by Eddie Hearn, has been trying to goad Eubank Jr. into an emotional response, hoping to provoke him into a reckless brawl.
Benn needs Eubank Jr. to lose his cool in order to create an opening for himself in the ring.
But so far, Eubank Jr. has kept his composure, even after the egg incident with Benn.
It seems that Eubank Jr. has inherited a certain emotional detachment from his father, Chris Sr., who won’t be present to support him.
Eubank Sr. has publicly distanced himself from the fight and remains adamant that it won’t happen. Whether his absence affects his son’s mindset remains to be seen.
Final Verdict: Can Eubank Jr. Overcome the Odds?
While Johnny Nelson initially favored Eubank Jr. heading into this fight, the unexpected weight miss could prove to be a pivotal moment.
If Eubank Jr. allows himself to become reckless and loses his composure, he could find himself in serious trouble.
On the other hand, Benn’s camp now feels confident that they hold the advantage, with the missed weight potentially proving decisive.
If Benn can push the pace early on and create chaos, he could potentially win the fight within the first six rounds.
As the night approaches, Nelson is leaning towards a Benn victory, though he acknowledges that boxing is unpredictable, and anything can happen when the bell rings.