Matt Thacker
Another fight between the Eubank and Benn family, another treat for British boxing. The atmosphere before the fight was incredible. UK boxing fans are like no other, the intensity, the noise, it was electric!
The front rows were packed with stars, including Thierry Henry, Pierce Brosnan, Guy Ritchie, Emma Bunton, Dizzee Rascal, Jason Statham, Jeremy Piven, and Rod Stewart – Just a glimpse of the huge names in attendance. Before the main event, the undercard delivered brilliantly, providing a fantastic warm up on a cold night in London.
Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for. To kick it off in style, legendary ring announcer Michael Buffer stepped forward and fired up the crowd with his iconic call “LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!” And just like that, history was about to unfold.
The ring walks were incredible, some of the best in recent history. Conor Benn walked out first with his dad, Nigel, to The Fugees ‘Ready or Not’, followed by the chimes of Big Ben and to cap it off, a chilling live drum performance of Phil Collins’ ‘In the Air Tonight’. Father and son danced on the stage, looking pumped and ready for action. It was epic, emotional, the energy was spine tingling.
Then came the Eubanks, and the mind games continued! Chris Eubank Jr delayed his ring walk, keeping everyone waiting until the last possible second. He finally emerged in a big white fur coat, Chris Sr beside him. Of course, in true Eubank style, another shock – 50 Cent, the American hip hop superstar, walking him out and sending the crowd wild! Entering the ring, Eubank Sr danced in front of the Benn’s as 50 Cent carried on performing. Goosebumps, even before a punch had been thrown.
Buffer returned, raising the roof with his iconic call – ‘’ANOTHER GREAT CHAPTER IN BRITISH BOXING… LET’S GET READY TO RUMBLE!”
A wall of cheers erupted for Benn, thousands of boos for Eubank, followed by an intense final stare down between the two that said everything.
As soon as the first bell rang, Benn flew out fast, taking centre of the ring to assert his presence, the Essex man setting the tone early. After the first few rounds, the difference was clear. Benn looked sharp, calculated, and more mature compared to the last bout. Eubank couldn’t get going, he looked stunned and struggled to move through the gears. The contrast was striking. Benn in full control, Eubank stiff and searching for a rhythm.
By halfway, Eubank looked lethargic, his punches having little effect. Benn maintained both pace and discipline. No over emotional swings this time, he was purely focused. He was able to reset after every round and keep the intensity throughout. In the later rounds, whenever Eubank showed even a hint of success, Benn immediately responded. His jab was flowing beautifully, sharp, smart, a real sensational performance. Benn was completely in control, boxing superbly.
Before round twelve, the final round, Eubank’s team shouted to Chris that he needed the “Round of your life.” Clearly, his corner knew he was behind and made sure he knew it.
Then came epic drama. In the final round, everyone was on their feet as Benn knocked Eubank down! A real WOW moment! Eubank struggled to his feet, and with seconds remaining, Benn knocked him down again. If it hadn’t been for the final bell, a knockout would have been the icing on the cake for Benn. Eubank was truly saved by the bell.
What a stunning performance from Benn! Thirty five years of waiting. Almost punch perfect. No judges could mistake this, the audience and the whole world knew who had won. When it was officially announced as a unanimous points victory for Conor Benn, you could see the years of pain pour out of him. His best career moment, cemented.
Twenty four rounds over two fights completed the emotional journey. The rivals embraced, a real lovely moment to watch. Eddie Hearn wrapped Benn in a hug, emotion written all over his face. Nigel lifted his son onto his shoulders, the moment the Benn family had dreamed of since 1990. A first win for the Benns over the Eubanks.
Conor Benn beaming in his post-fight interviews said ‘’I’ve got one on you, Dad! This is the end of the Eubank vs Benn saga… I wanted to do the family name proud.”
Eubank Jr spoke gracefully, saying:“Conor was the better man tonight. It’s 1–1. We’ll see what happens next.”
Maybe we’ll see a third fight between the two but this was Conor’s night and one for the Benn family! Redemption delivered and chapter four complete.
The final word must go to Conor Benn. Three years ago, he was at breaking point and now he stands on top. It’s proof that you should never give up, tough times don’t last, if you put the work in and believe in yourself, the best days are always closer than you think.
