Eubank Jr. Edges Benn in Thrilling Grudge Match for the Ages
By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 27 Apr 2025
In a highly anticipated and intensely personal grudge match that lived up to every bit of its billing, Chris Eubank Jr. emerged victorious over Conor Benn via a unanimous decision in a captivating battle held at a raucous Manchester Arena. After twelve grueling rounds of ebb and flow, Eubank was declared winner by unanimous decision. All three judges Mark Bates, Lee Every and Kieran McCann had identical scores of 116-112 in favor of Sussex born Eubank.
The fight, steeped in the legendary rivalry of their fathers, Chris Eubank Sr. and Nigel Benn, saw both fighters leave everything in the ring. Eubank Jr. (35-3-0, 25 KOs), known for his relentless pressure and granite chin, ultimately outworked and outlanded a determined but ultimately slightly smaller Benn (23-1, 14 KOs), who showcased incredible heart and resilience throughout the punishing affair.
The opening rounds saw both men feeling each other out, with Eubank Jr. establishing his jab and looking to control the distance. Benn, known for his explosive power, was looking for openings to land his signature left hook. As the fight progressed, Eubank Jr.'s superior size and strength began to tell, as he consistently pushed Benn onto the back foot and landed the cleaner, more impactful shots.
However, Benn refused to wilt. Displaying remarkable grit and determination, he absorbed heavy punishment and continued to fire back with spiteful combinations. The middle rounds saw Benn have moments of success, landing sharp shots and forcing Eubank Jr. to dig deep. The intensity inside the arena was palpable as the two warriors traded blows, neither willing to concede an inch.
The championship rounds saw Eubank Jr.'s experience and conditioning come to the fore. He maintained a higher work rate, consistently pressing the action and landing more frequently. While Benn's bravery was undeniable, he struggled to match Eubank Jr.'s output in the final stages of the fight.
Despite the unanimous decision, the fight was anything but one-sided. Benn proved he belongs at the top level, showcasing incredible toughness and skill against a more seasoned opponent. The contest was a true testament to the fighting spirit of both men and a fitting chapter in the ongoing Eubank-Benn saga.
Speaking after the fight, a respectful Eubank Jr. acknowledged Benn's courage, stating, "He's a tough, strong fighter. I knew he would be. His father is a legend, and he's a chip off the old block. I took him into deep waters tonight, and he swam."
A visibly disappointed but defiant Benn vowed to learn from the experience, saying, "I came in there to win. I gave it my all. Credit to Chris, he was the better man tonight. But I will be back."
The electrifying encounter left fans clamoring for a potential rematch down the line. For now, Chris Eubank Jr. can savor a hard-fought victory in a grudge match that will be etched in boxing folklore, while Conor Benn will undoubtedly return with lessons learned and a burning desire to avenge his first professional defeat. The "Battle of the Generations" lived up to its hype and delivered a classic for the ages.
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