When Chris Eubank Jr shared video footage of himself lying motionless on a hospital bed after their recent rematch, many in the boxing world were shocked.
The images, showing him hooked up to machines and surrounded by medical staff, sparked sympathy and intensified calls for his retirement.
For Conor Benn, however, the reaction wasn’t surprising — and the focus, he says, should be on why the footage was shared, not the image itself.
Sympathy or Strategy
Benn addressed the situation candidly, pointing to reports that Eubank Jr had been dealing with health issues like IBS and possibly a stomach cyst during training camp.
“I’m not really too concerned, to be honest,” Benn said.
“I know it’s not a serious health condition.
People need to look deeper into the reasons as to why it’s posted.
There’s a certain pattern here of sympathy vote and a victim mentality.”
While he doesn’t dismiss health concerns outright, Benn believes fighters shouldn’t leverage suffering to explain away a defeat.
The Reality of a Fighter’s Life
Benn draws on his own experiences to illustrate the challenges professional boxers routinely endure.
“You don’t see pictures of me making 152 for my fight in Vegas, struggling to make weight, on the floor in a blanket,” he said.
“It’s part of the sport. We’re modern-day gladiators.
You’ll never hear me moan about anything.”
He recalled fighting a rematch while nursing a serious injury: “I tore my tendon in my last spar of camp.
Torn tendon, asthma, all of it — and I’m good.
I’m not here for sympathy. You’re in the wrong game if you want the public’s sympathy. No one cares.”
Accepting Responsibility in the Ring
Benn acknowledges that every fighter faces hurdles during camp, but insists accepting responsibility is part of the profession.
“Give the man his roses, give him his flowers, and that’s it,” he said.
“You either believed you were good enough to get in there on the night, or you weren’t.
Either you believed it, or you were scamming the public into thinking there was going to be another fight of the year.”
He added, reflecting on the rematch outcome: “Ultimately, he thought he was good enough to beat me on the night.
He wasn’t. First time around, I took his soul.
He’s not the same, and he never will be. I’ve got his soul right here in my hands.”
Advising Retirement Over Ego
Benn believes Eubank Jr should step away from boxing — not out of personal spite, but pragmatism and concern for his long-term wellbeing.
“Should he retire? He should retire, yeah,” Benn said.
“First fight was close, second fight he got battered. If I were him or on his team, I’d call it a day.
It’s an unforgiving sport, and you don’t want to overstay your welcome.”
Despite their rivalry, Benn emphasizes that his advice comes from a professional perspective.
“Do I like him? No. Do I think he’s a prat? Yes. But we’re fighters.
You want to see him leave this game without permanent injuries. Don’t overstay your welcome.”
Open to a Challenge
Eubank Jr has spoken openly about health struggles, brutal weight cuts, and hinted at a potential comeback once he feels “100 per cent.”
Benn isn’t entirely convinced but leaves the door open.
“If he wants to fight, I’ll happily beat him up at 168,” Benn said.
“No problem. I’ll do it for free.”
For Conor Benn, the message is clear: the sport is unforgiving, respect is earned in the ring, and sympathy doesn’t win fights — but accountability does.
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