Eubank Jr vs Benn 2: Revisiting the first fight and the rivalry that started it all

Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn face off in a rematch at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on Saturday, November 15, in the latest chapter of their longstanding family rivalry after their thrilling battle back in April.

The animosity between the two clans stretches back before either of Saturday's protagonists were even born, with Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn contesting two all-time classics in the early 1990s, so we’ve put together a timeline of the events that have led to this point.

The origins of the Benn vs Eubank rivalry

Nigel Benn made his debut in 1987 and won his first 22 fights by knockout. Eubank Sr made his debut two years earlier, but it wasn’t until 1988 that his profile began to rise, and he started calling out the more established Benn.

After losing his unbeaten record to Michael Watson, Benn embarked on a rebuild and captured the WBO middleweight title by knocking out Doug DeWitt. He then lived up to his 'Dark Destroyer' moniker with a brutal first-round win over Iran Barkley in his first defence.

After years of trash talk, with both men claiming they would knock out the other, Benn finally agreed to meet Eubank with his WBO belt on the line.

In September 1990, Chris Eubank Jr. was born, and just two months later, Eubank Sr. would face Benn for the first time.

A classic first fight: Eubank draws first blood

The first Eubank vs Benn fight was one for the ages and is still regarded as one of the best, if not the best, all-British bouts of all time.

A world title was on the line, there was genuine animosity between the fighters, and both men had promised knockouts.

Benn’s team even tried to sabotage Eubank’s entrance by stopping the music, but it didn’t faze the flamboyant challenger, who caught Benn off guard from the first bell.

The contest took a turn in the fourth round as Benn landed a brutal uppercut, and in the eighth round, Eubank was sent to the canvas. He finished strongly, goading Benn from his corner between rounds.

The two continued to slug it out in the ninth, and Eubank was put down again, only to recover and unleash a combination followed by a straight right hand that forced the referee to step in.

The pair met in a rematch at super middleweight three years later, this time both entering as world champions. While the second fight didn’t quite match the drama of the first, the final round was outstanding, with both men told they needed to win it. Ultimately, it was declared a draw.

A third fight seemed inevitable but never came to fruition before Benn hung up his gloves in November 1996 – just two months after Conor Benn was born.

What happened in the first Eubank Jr vs Benn fight?

Eubank Jr claimed a unanimous decision victory in their first meeting, winning 116-112 on all three judges' scorecards after 12 thrilling rounds.

Fears that the main event might not live up to the hype proved unfounded, as the two bitter rivals delivered what could easily be a Fight of the Year contender.

Benn was the aggressor in the opening exchanges, but momentum shifted multiple times throughout the bout as both fighters landed telling blows. The Destroyer’s pressure was relentless, but Eubank Jr demonstrated his experience and tactical superiority by outlanding Benn in every round.

While Eubank Jr took control in the middle rounds, Benn had a strong eighth round in which he seemed to hurt his rival – the closest either came to a stoppage.

The final three rounds were virtually a shutout in Jr’s favour, as he threw and landed significantly more punches. The final round was reminiscent of the wars their fathers fought in the 1990s, with both men trading blows until the bell.

The build-up to the fight was particularly tense and threatened to boil over on several occasions, including the infamous moment when Eubank Jr broke an egg over Benn’s head, referencing his suspension.

Respect has been shown by both fighters ahead of the rematch, although with only a few days to go until fight night, a flashpoint or two could still erupt in the build-up.

FAQs for Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn 2

When is Eubank Jr vs Benn 2?

Eubank Jr vs Benn is scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 15.

Where is Eubank Jr vs Benn taking place?

As was the case with the first fight, Eubank Jr vs Benn will take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

What is the betting for Eubank Jr vs Benn 2?

Eubank Jr is 8-11 to confirm the form of the fight fight with Conor Benn 7-5 to gain revenge. A draw is 14-1.

Where can I watch Eubank Jr vs Benn 2? 

You can watch the fight live on DAZN pay-per-view worldwide. 

Read more on Eubank Jr vs Benn 2 here:

Chris Eubank Jr: record, fighting style and what’s at stake in Eubank vs Benn 2 

Eubank vs Benn 2: Conor Benn record, rematch details and rivalry explained 

Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn: date, time, latest betting odds and how to watch 

Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn: tale of the tape and betting odds 

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