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Chris Eubank Jr dropped to his knees after earning the unanimous decision - Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
After all the hype, the controversy, the delays, the unedifying theatrics, the eggs, Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn finally delivered a fight of which their fathers would have been proud.
In the end, it was Eubank Jr, the older man, who had had to drop to 160lbs to make the fight, and who was fined £375,000 of his purse on Friday for missing it initially, who emerged victorious, winning by unanimous decision over 12 brutal rounds at Tottenham Hotspur stadium.
But the fight was closer than that sounds. A thoroughly entertaining bout ended with both men swinging wildly at each other, practically out on their feet, hoping to land a knockout punch, or at least convince the judges they were deserving of the decision.
Eubank was given it 116-112 by all three judges. But Benn can consider himself unfortunate. “I thought he could have won the fight,” said his promoter Eddie Hearn, already eyeing up the rematch clause. “Conor became the people’s champion tonight.”
So, 32 years after their fathers, Chris Eubank Snr and Nigel ‘The Dark Destroyer’ Benn fought the second of their iconic 1990s grudge matches, their sons finally got it done.
And both fathers were there to see it. After all the frenzied speculation, Eubank Jnr landed the first blow of the evening when he turned up at the stadium with his dad in tow after all.
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Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Snr greeted each ther before the fight - Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
Their arrival - in the middle of the Liam Smith vs Aaron McKenna fight - elicited audible gasps from around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
After all the talk of the pair’s estrangement, suddenly here he was, in a big brown leather jacket which looked as if it had been made out of bits of Chewbacca, preening and posing after his own fashion.
Had it all been an act? Possibly. Probably.
God knows. No one in the arena seemed to, and that included Conor and Nigel Benn who were seen gawping open-mouthed at the big screen back in their dressing room. Benn Snr later insisted to Sky Sports that he was delighted that his old adversary had turned up (“I’m glad he’s here. I’m so glad. I wanted him here. Even Conor wanted him here – it’s a family affair.”).
Ever the performer, Eubank Snr was not going to miss the opportunity to have his say, taking issue with a comment Benn had made to the effect that even Eubank’s “own dad didn’t like him”. “I’m here,” Eubank Snr smiled to the cameras when asked whether he would be in his son’s corner during the fight itself . “Whether I’m ringside or in his corner, I’m here. In fact, Conor, that’s not fair to say I don’t like my son. I love my son. I may not like some of his ways, just as I don’t like some of your ways. But I love him.”
The Eubanks notched another minor victory when they successfully denied Billy Joe Saunders entry to their inner sanctum to inspect their fighter’s hand wrapping, which Benn’s promoters Matchroom had said he would do.
Again the cameras were there to record a standup row between Saunders, a former two-weight world champion, and Eubank’s manager, Elliott Amoakoh, also known as Napper, a huge physical presence.
The whole evening felt as if it had the potential to go off the rails. But in the end it was just a great fight, defying the predictions of those who had said it would be a circus.
The first few rounds followed a pattern many pundits had predicted pre-fight. Benn started out with huge energy, throwing wild haymakers as Eubank looked to control the centre of the ring, cuffing his rival with short left hooks and jabs.
Neither man, though, was truly able to get on top. Benn’s energy and volume of shots probably won him the first few rounds, but there was a sense, as the middle rounds wore on, that Eubank - who had been constantly chatting and smiling at his opponent in clinches - was getting more comfortable.
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Both fighters landed heavy shots throughout the fight - Getty Images/Richard Pelham
Benn probably sensed the same thing and came out firing again at the start of a barnstorming eighth round which ended with both fighters on the ropes trading punches.
Eubank was trying to use his size back Benn up against the ropes and Benn, in turn, looked to generate enough space to unleash.
By the ninth, a cut had opened up above the right eye of Eubank, caused by a clash of heads, and the older fighter was beginning to look more weary.
Benn caught his rival with a big right hand in the 10th as Eubank’s mouth started to hang open. But the
“I knew I was capable of that. I just needed someone to bring that out of me. And I;m not going to lie, I didn’t expect him to be that guy,” Eubank said afterwards. “I pushed through. “I’m happy to have this man here with me. We upheld the family name.
11:27 PM BST
Nigel Benn speaks to DAZN - ‘We take defeat gracefully’
11:26 PM BST
Coner Benn speaks to DAZN - ‘I felt it was a close fight’
On the defeat...
On Eubank Jnr...
11:23 PM BST
Eubank Snr speaks to DAZN - ‘I am proud of my son’
11:21 PM BST
Eubank Jnr speaks to DAZN - ‘That brough out both our spirits’
On the win and Conor Benn’s performance...
On his dad being there to watch...
More on Conor Benn...
11:10 PM BST
EUBANK JNR WINS!
By unanimous decision.
All three judges scoring it 116-112.
11:09 PM BST
It wasn’t the most technical fight
But it was probably a more entertaining bout for it.
11:08 PM BST
ROUND TWELVE: Benn does brilliantly to stay on his feet in epic last round
Three minutes to go, what have they left to give? The immediate answer is Eubank really going in for the kill. This looks like a street fight. Eubank is on the attack and, as a result, leaving himself open. Risky. It’s now Benn’s turn to swing and hope but Eubank counters brilliantly landing two huge punches and Benn does well to stay up. The ref should stop this...Benn looks gone, Eubank lands punch after punch and SOMEHOW Benn stays on his feet, remarkable stuff...What a round!
Eubank 10-9
11:03 PM BST
ROUND ELEVEN: This has turned into a slugfest
Arms are flying about, once again it’s not measured but who’d expect that after 10 exhausting rounds?! They’re both continuing to talk to each other. It’s been a good scrap, if not a fine fight for the purists. Who’s got more in the tank now? Few punches are landing this round. But as I type that Eubank has Benn on the ropes, but once again the smaller man takes the punishment and lives to fight on. This fight has turned into a slugfest, it looks like the sort of fight you’d play on the MegaDrive back in the 1990s.
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Eubank 10-9
11:00 PM BST
ROUND TEN: Eubank looking tired
Benn is still dangerous, he’s aiming for the body to open up the bigger punch to the head. Both look spent. Benn lands a big uppercut and now it’s Eubank on the back foot. He’s been chipping away all fight but it’s his smaller opponent who’s making the big strides and landing more punches now. Eubank looks exhausted and, remarkably, it’s Benn’s to win. There are a flurry of punches from both, for the most part this has been a furious fight. As the bell sounds Benn’s on the ropes but that was his round.
Benn 10-9
10:56 PM BST
ROUND NINE: Better from Benn
Eubank surely has a big lead now, Benn needs a KO to win this. He’s a brave fighter and he continues to try and attack his bigger opponent. Eubank looks the (slightly) more composed in this furious bout...Both men are landing punches and they’re toe-to-toe, Eubank more on the offensive. But he’s cut above the right eye and Benn keeps on coming and he lands another big left hook. It’s a bit loose but it’s entertaining stuff. The cut on the eye needs a bit of work before the 10th...
Benn 10-9
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Benn has come back well as the fight has progressed - Getty Images/Richard Pelham
10:52 PM BST
ROUND EIGHT: Heating up nicely
Big shots rain in from both men, it’s far from measured stuff from either. Two left hooks from Benn land well but it will take a lot to knockout Eubank. Benn is looking tired. Eubank then works the head and body with a combination. Benn is doing well here, he’s taking some big shots and remaining standing. Benn then lands the uppercut, that’s the one that’s landed a lot this evening. As the bell goes, however, it’s Benn on the ropes as his opponent lands a flurry. The crowd are loving this, it’s heating up nicely.
Eubank 10-9
10:48 PM BST
SOUND SEVEN: Even fight but Eubank slightly on top
Benn comes out quick here, it’s heating up and Benn lands a big uppercut, he lent right into that. Great start from the smaller man, but Eubank counters well, with several single, measured shots. Neither man has been able to really dominate a round so far. Eubank then gets through with a big left power punch, he lets Benn know once again by chatting in his ear. The pair then exchange a series of punches. It’s an even fight so far, but Eubank is looking the slightly stronger.
Eubank 10-9
10:44 PM BST
ROUND SIX: Close fight still going Eubank’s way
Benn has been the quicker, more lively man, how will that affect him as the rounds move on? They come together early on in this round but that doesn’t stop Eubank from landing a right hook. Good right hand from Benn lands and that seemingly wakes up Eubank who then connects with a decent right-left combination. This bout is toing and froing, they are countering each other’s shots well, as I type that Eubank lands a left hook, a punch he’s had a lot of joy with so far. The bigger man then lands a great right jab, he’s again the man slightly on top. Eubank is then told off for a hit to the back of the head, there’s been a lot of that tonight.
Eubank 10-9
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Eubank is on top - Getty Images/Richard Pelham
10:39 PM BST
ROUND FIVE: Less hectic that previous four rounds
Benn falls over early on performing a backward roll in the process. The ring was slippy in the earlier bouts, more of the same here? Benn is landing some body shots, trying to tire out the bigger man. This round is less hectic that the previous four, but it’s Benn who’s looking the more lively. Fewer punches being landed. They’re continuing to chat to each other, Eubank toying with the jab.
Eubank 10-9
10:35 PM BST
ROUND FOUR: Bout gets better and better
This is the round Nigel Benn predicted his son would win in can he make good on his dad’s prediction? Early on it’s Eubank who deploys the left hook and the man on top. Benn responds with body shots, the crowd is loving this. More joy with the left hook from Eubank. Benn gets in a good jab, and then lands left uppercut. Both are landing a lot of punches in this round. As I type that Benn lands a left hook, then a right jab. As the round nears the end Benn is on the ropes but then lands another good left hook and a right uppercut. Eubank just edges the best round of the fight so far.
Eubank 10-9
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The fight is getting more entertaining - Getty Images/Richard Pelham
10:31 PM BST
ROUND THREE: Benn getting better as bout progresses
Benn is looking the more lively of the pair but some of the punches are telegraphed and there’s the sense he might be leaving himself open to the counter punch. He then lands two big punches, they’re talking to each other as they hug (not lovingly, clearly...). Benn looks the quicker man at the moment and that’s allowing him to get more punches in. He’s in the zone and clearly fancies himself right now. They then both topple over...once both up it’s Benn again with another great combination and Eubank is no longer looking comfortable. Big round for Benn.
Benn 10-9
10:27 PM BST
ROUND TWO: Better from Benn
I hadn’t noticed that the two Dads are sat next to each other, wonder what they said to each other during that opening round?
Benn tries to dominate the centre early on but it’s Eubank who’s connecting. Good jabs exchanged by the pair, Benn then gets in another good punch. Better from Benn but he’s leaving himself open at times. Benn then looks as though he connects with a left hook but Eubank looks comfortable. Benn is using the jab and has a bit of joy with it. Improved stuff from Benn who dishes out the verbals as the bell rings.
Benn 10-9
10:22 PM BST
ROUND ONE: Good start from Eubank
After it seems as though the pair refuse to touch gloves the fight is under way...The bad-blood bout is on. An early left hook from Eubank starts it off, and already it’s clear there’s a huge size disparity. There’s another left hook from Eubank and he’s definitely on top early on. Benn looks flustered and there’s a swing and a miss. The jab is working well for Eubank and he’s controlling the centre of the ring. Benn, however, gets in a great left and right hook, he needed that, if only for his confidence. Eubank is having a lot of luck with that left hook, but Benn responds with one of his own that his opponent tells him did not connect.
Eubank 10-9
10:17 PM BST
‘Let’s get readyyyyyyy to RUUUUUMMMMBLE’
Buffer with his usual intro. Anyone getting tired of it?!
10:15 PM BST
We’re moments away from the opening bell
Both look, as you’d expect, focused and ready for battle. The third Eubank vs Benn bout, and the first of this generation. Before the bout there is a round of applause for the two Dads...
10:12 PM BST
Both Eubank Snr and Nigel Benn are...
...in the ring together again for the first time since 1993. They embrace!
Who ever thought that would happen...
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10:11 PM BST
The DAZN viewers are backing Eubank Jnr
By 66 per cent to 34 per cent.
That’s roughly what the bookies have it as.
10:10 PM BST
Chris Eubank Jnr keeps us waiting
He eventually appears wearing what looks very similar to John Motson’s famous epoch-defining sheepskin coat...blaring out is...Simply the Best by Tina Turner, which, as most of you will know, is what his Dad waled out to. Two odes to the 1990s and 1980s...they then turn it up a notch or two with something more recent.
10:04 PM BST
Conor Benn is first up
Nigel, his dad, is just behind him. He’s coming out to Ready or Not Here I Come, a 1990s hit, what else would you have for a Eubank vs Benn bout? Benn is dress in black, the son of the Dark Destroyer’s son cannot wear any other colour.
10:01 PM BST
‘Let’s get this party started’
Is how Michael Buffer (who else?!) interoduces the ring walks...
09:59 PM BST
We’re now seeing the pre-bout build up
Which is as much an advert for a computer game, Fatal Fury, as it is gearing us up for the actual fight...modern-day sport and all that...
09:55 PM BST
Now time for the main event
The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is packed, there are 65,000 in the north London arena and they’re currently all singing, yep, you’ve guessed it, Sweet Caroline...duh, duh, duh...
09:51 PM BST
Yarde wins by unanimous decision
It was a tight fight, but Yarde made most of the running, was the most aggressive and the judges favoured him 115-113, 116-112, 116-112.
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Anthony Yarde made most of the running against Lyndon Arthur and won on points - Getty Images/Richard Pelham
09:41 PM BST
Eubnak Snr - ‘I love my son’
09:40 PM BST
Not long until the big fight
So, who’s going to win?
Here’s what the great and the good, including Amir Khan and Roy Jones Jnr, have to say.
READ: Conor Benn KO, Chris Eubank Jnr on points: 12 big-fight predictions
09:26 PM BST
Rashford and Rice are ringside
09:14 PM BST
Nigel Benn speaks to DAZN - ‘I am glad Chris Eubank Snr is here’
On how his son is feeling...
On Chris Eubank Snr unexpectedly turning up...
09:10 PM BST
Famous faces are vital ingredients for big fight nights
09:08 PM BST
Mind games not paying off
DRAMA ahead of #EubankBenn
Billy Joe Saunders is NOT allowed to enter Chris Eubank's locker rooms to inspect the hand wrapping
️ Buy #EubankBenn on DAZN NOW - link in bio | Powered by @FATALFURY_PR City of Wolves | LIVE NOW on DAZN | @SNKPofficial | @ringmagazinepic.twitter.com/4ytBjcatq0
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) April 26, 2025
09:04 PM BST
The penultimate fight is under way
Lyndon Arthur is facing Anthony Yarde three years on from the pair’s second fight. It stands at 1-1, who will come out on top in the third of the trilogy?
08:55 PM BST
How the Benns reacted to the unexpected guest
08:53 PM BST
‘This is the show’
Chris Eubank Snr has given a few words to camera...
08:46 PM BST
McKenna makes a big statement
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It looks as though there’s a big future for Aaron McKenna - Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
08:41 PM BST
Impressive McKenna beats Smith
It’s a victory for the young apprentice over the experienced Liverpudlian. The Irishman dominated from start to finish and won thanks to a unanimous decision: 119-108, 117-109, 118-108. A deserved and impressive victory for the WBA International Middleweight Champion.
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Aaron McKenna dominated the fight against Liam Smith from the opening bell - Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
08:27 PM BST
Momentous
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Both Chris Eubanks are at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, obviously the younger of the pair was expected, but the older was not due to turn up - Sky Sports
08:24 PM BST
Here’s more on the relationship between the two Eubanks
Here’s Simon Briggs on why Eubank Snr was against this fight taking place.
As one of boxing’s great self-publicists, one might have expected Eubank Snr to enjoy the extra attention. But his objections are very specific. They relate to the difference in sizes between his son – who is at his best at super-middleweight (168lb) – and Conor Benn, whose previous 23 unbeaten fights have all come at welterweight (147lb).
“It’s against the rules, what is happening,” Eubank Snr insisted a week ago. “If you are not clever and you are not noble, this will kill you, this vocation, what they call sport. If you don’t play it right already, Conor, you don’t have a career to enjoy.”
READ: Why Chris Eubank has turned his back on his son
08:22 PM BST
Big news is that Chris Eubank is there to watch his son
The two Eubanks are together again. Eubank Jr meets his dad as he comes out the car dropping him at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Tragedies in 1991 and 2021 changed Eubank Snr and have influenced his fierce opposition to his son’s mega-fight with Conor Benn but he appears to have backtracked, at least to the extent that he’s present to watch his son’s fight.
Only last week, Eubank Snr told website Seconds Out that he would be snubbing the bout. “I will not be an accomplice to their stupidity, their circus,” he said.
08:10 PM BST
Stadium is filling up nicely
Stadium really filling up now. It’s now four/fifths full. It will be packed when Eubank Jr and Benn walk to the ring just after 10pm.
Currently, we’re watching Liam Smith vs Aaron McKenna. The wizened former champions up against the young Irishman. Smith as has brothers Callum and Stephen in his corner, with trainer Joe McNally barking orders at the Liverpudlian. Mc|Kenna, unbeaten in 19 contests, has been using the ring well, switching to southpaw and has used his long levers to dominate the opening rounds. There was a clash of heads in the fifth, and Smith was cut.
08:04 PM BST
We’re five rounds into the fight...
...and Liam Smith has work to do. Aaron McKenna looks as though he’s enjoying himself in the ring. It’s all been him so far.
07:49 PM BST
Next up on the card Liam Smith vs Aaron Mckenna
We are a couple of rounds into that one. Smith believes he can have a third shot at fighting Chris Eubank Jr if he wins this evening.
07:47 PM BST
Both Hearns in attendance
Father and son Barry and Eddie are at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which is just up the road from what would be considered their manor on the eastern edges of London. You can read Jeremy Wilson’s exclusive interview with Barry by clicking here. It’s a cracking read on everything from snooker’s glory days, the original Eubank-Benn rivarly and the state of the nation.
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Barry Hearn and Eddie Hearn at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - Getty Images/Mark Robinson
07:31 PM BST
The result confirmed: Riley wins on unanimous points decision
Victory for the Spurs fan against the Arsenal-supporting Clarke. The judges scored it 116-112, 117-111 and 115-113. The stadium PA then plays Glory, Glory Tottenham Hotspur after Riley’s arm is raised in victory. Only a small percentage of the crowd sounded like they were signing along to the anthem which uses the tune of US Civil War song Battle Hymn of the Republic (which in turn was written to the tune of John Brown’s Body).
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Viddal Riley with his British cruiserweight title - Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
07:28 PM BST
Undercard update: Riley out-boxes Clarke on slippy surface
Terrific boxing by Viddal Riley against Chev Clarke, smart moving and boxing in the small, 18-foot ring. The biggest issue in this fight is both men slipping on the canvas, which was printed, rather than painted, which creates less friction for the boots. The referee has mopped the centre ring during the bout, but I fear the main event fighters slipping as the friction lessens. It could be an issue come 10pm. Great victory, though, by the way, by Riley. Great boxing.
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Both fighters slip on the canvas at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - Getty Images/Richard Pelham
07:25 PM BST
Conor Benn has arrived in N17
07:18 PM BST
How to watch the main event
The fight will stream live on DAZN pay-per-view at the usual price of £19.95 and also on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK, where prices are usually the same as DAZN’s. You can click here to purchase the fight.
This article contains affiliate links from our advertisers. This means that Telegraph Media Group will earn a commission if you click a link, buy a product, or subscribe to a service.
07:12 PM BST
Betting offers
07:05 PM BST
Arsenal fan Clarke behind enemy lines tonight
07:01 PM BST
Gareth’s big fight prediction
07:01 PM BST
Chris Billam-Smith victorious
Another gruelling fight for Chris Billam-Smith. Always makes it a war. Rugged, durable former world champion. Changed tactics after the fourth round against Brandon Glanton and gained a comfortable points victory. But boy does he get stuck in... 116-112 for Billam-Smith. Atmosphere building here after the first fight.
06:59 PM BST
Our man at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
06:58 PM BST
Finally, Eubank Jnr v Benn is here
The Chris Eubank-Nigel Benn rivalry was one that defined British boxing during the 1990s. They both disliked each other and, in many ways, the circus that is now taken for granted and comes with every bout began with that pair.
Over 30 years on, their sons have taken up the baton and added their own ingredients (mostly eggs...) as the third Eubanks vs Benn fight (32 years after the their Dads’ second meeting) takes place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
So how has this rivalry been added to their fathers’ one when the pair have not yet faced each other in the ring?
Well, a failed Conor Benn drugs test ahead of their scheduled 2022 bout added early spice to the rivalry, one which since has only grown more acrimonious. That fight did not take place with Benn mocked when the WBC concluded the failed tests might have been caused by a “highly elevated consumption of eggs”.
The exact cause of the failed tests remains inconclusive, and it may never be possible to determine how or why clomifene entered Benn’s system.”
Since then talk of a Eubank-Benn fight has never been far away, and time, seemingly, has only added to the sense of deja vu regarding the conflict between the two family names.
Last October, after Eubank beat Kamil Szeremeta in Saudi Arabia Benn stormed the ring before the pair hurled abuse at each other.
Then, in February, at a promotional event for tonight’s fight Eubank Jnr slapped Benn in the face with one of 16 eggs he had in his pocket (how big were those pockets?) to send the rivalry viral across social media and set the stage for a bout that several generations of boxing fans can get excited about.
Ring walks are expected at about 10pm UK time so stay here for all the build-up and action.
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