Conor Benn vs Chris Eubank Jr – Who wins?
Conor Benn (21-0, 14KOs) and Chris Eubank Jr. (32-2, 23KO) are set to renew their fathers' famous rivalry over 32 years on from when it first started way back in 1990.
The reigning WBA Continental welterweight champion from Essex and former IBO World super-middleweight titleholder from Brighton are set to lock horns at a catchweight of 158lbs on Saturday, October 8, at the O2 Arena in London.
32-year-old ‘NXT GEN’ has the upper hand in size and experience, but ‘The Destroyer’ is enjoying a run of form that has seen him knock out his last two opponents.
So who wins this ‘30 Year War’ – the Benn clan or the Eubank family? Find out what our panel of experts think below:
Ed LevinePresident of the IBO
"Regarding the proposed Conor Benn vs. Chris Eubank Jr. fight, that brings back amazing memories for me.
The first fight between their fathers, Chris Eubank Sr. and Nigel Benn, took place in 1990 in Birmingham. It truly was one of the best and most exciting fights that I have ever seen. I also was the supervisor for that fight and I can tell you that the electric atmosphere before, during, and after the fight, was off the charts. The referee for that fight was the Hall of Famer Richard Steele from Las Vegas who also has stated that it was one of the best fights he has ever officiated.
Now with that history and the fighting DNA of these current rivals, it is sure to be a sensational contest in every respect.
Eubank Jr’s record and ranking at middleweight speaks for itself. In my opinion, other than GGG, the current IBO middleweight World champion, Eubank Jr. has the right to claim that he is currently the best middleweight in boxing. On the other hand, having seen a few fights of Conor Benn, he is a super boxer as well as a powerful puncher just like his father, Nigel Benn. Moving up to middleweight is a huge step but one that has been made by many famous welterweights in the past. He is young, undefeated, and, as they say in boxing, until they lose you really don’t know how great they really can be.
We don’t know GGG’s plans after the Canelo fight but if the IBO World middleweight title was to become vacant, we certainly will be looking at the outcome of this great fight."
Wanik AwdijanFormer Eubank Jr. opponent"This fight will be an absolute carnage between those two. Both have hate and anger against each other and they’ll be taking everything into the ring.
I see Eubank with the weight, height and reach advantage, but Benn is, like his name says, a “destroyer”.
Anyway, I see Eubank winning the fight, either by points or by knockout, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Benn would pull the upset.
Either way, this will be fireworks!"
Paul StevensonEverton Red Triangle head coach
"There are two ways I look at it.
First, a part of me doesn’t really like to see it.
Two sons being pitted against each other in a fight/feud/rivalry that’s not really theirs, but their fathers.
But, a second way of looking at it, is that both sons are now in a position make real life-changing money on the back of it.
They’ll probably make more against each other than they would against almost anyone else out there.
Chris Eubank Jr is more seasoned, naturally bigger, a very experienced and smart operator.
Connor Benn is exciting, aggressive and very explosive, I like him.
The deck is definitely stacked in Eubank's favour though in terms of size, ability and experience at a higher level.
He’ll probably outweigh Benn by a stone or more on fight night and a stone weight advantage is no joke.
Can Benn overcome all of this on the night with his edge in quickness and aggression?
Will his power have the same effect at the higher weight against an opponent with a very good chin?
It’s hard to make a case for a bet on Benn, but the stakes are high and, on the night, anything can happen."
Matt MarshFormer British super-bantamweight champion
"I think it be a good fight, but I just think Eubank Jr. will be to big too strong and big for Conor, but definitely be an exciting fight."
Tim Rickson BBN Editor
“I'm still in shock that this fight is actually happening! Kudos to both boxers because I have often thought they have cherry-picked most of their opponents, although that sounds a bit harsh on Eubank who fought Billy Joe Saunders very early on in his career and entered the WBSS too. Obviously, they will both make millions from this bout, so it does kind of make sense, and it's a no-lose situation for Benn because he is expected to be up against it in two weight divisions up, so win, lose or draw, he is going to get credit no matter what. I guess with Golovkin fighting Canelo next, and the only two welterweight world champions on a collision course, plus fighting Keith Thurman wouldn't be wise for Benn just yet, that these two are both at a bit a standstill in their respective careers presently.
For me, Eubank Jr. will be the favourite due to his superior size and vaster experience at the top level. Conor Benn can bang, it's one of his biggest strengths, but Eubank Jr. has a fantastic chin. If a big, hard-hitting super-middleweight in George Groves couldn't put a dent in him then how will a smaller welterweight be able to? We've seen Benn knocked down before and show his heart to get back up again, so I've got a strong feeling that Eubank will score a knockdown at some point, but I'd question whether he will be able to finish him off? He let Liam williams off the hook in his last fight, which went the full 12-round distance, despite knockdowns in four seperate rounds.
Under Roy jones Jr., the Brighton boxer is totally different; he takes his time, is patient, composed, poised, more elusive and economical. I think he will be clever with his shots and when he lands, it will do some damage. Benn's best chance to win will be to utilise his speed, sharpness and reflexes and to stay out of range. I would expect him to come up with a game plan for the fight to go the full 12-rounds.
If I had to be bold, then I think Eubank Jr. stops Benn in the second half of the contest.”
Archie Goricki Super-featherweight prospect
"My thoughts on this is are that Chris Eubank Jr. has a lot of technical flaws and is flat footed, even though he has big size adbantage and experience in the big fights, but I don't see that that will help him in this fight. Benn is younger and more hungrier to prove himself, also he has better technique. Entertaining and close fight, but I see Benn as a split decision winner in this one."
Oskari MetzEuropean welterweight title contender
"It’s a cool match up and I’ll definitely tune in.
Props to Benn for stepping up to a challenge like that. Benn can certainly punch, he’s clever enough and he‘s improved a lot, but he relies on his power and I’m not so sure it will be as significant against someone of Eubank’s size. It’ll also be interesting to see how well Benn handles the power of Eubank Jr. I’m not saying Benn won’t pose any problems, but considering Eubank’s size advantage… I’ll say Eubank Jr by stoppage."
Alan Hubbard Inside the Games
"Eubank Jnr likely to be too big and strong for Benn and will win by late stoppage."
Gregory D. CohenBoxing Promoter
"Chris Eubank Jr. and Connor Benn is a very interesting matchup. Both guys are very good, exciting fighters who can box beautifully and punch like hell.
I’m picking Eubank by stoppage – only because he’s the naturally bigger man. Undoubtedly there will be fireworks and excitement from the opening bell!"
Mick KaneBoxing/MMA Writer
"I really enjoy watching Conor Benn, never in a dull fight. Has he bitten off more than he can chew this time? Eubank Jr has been looking better the older he gets, and his only two defeats are against Billy Joe Saunders and George Groves.
It's an intriguing fight, Benn moving up in weight, although he has had explosive power at welterweight, with rumours of a catch weight, it will be interesting to watch how both fighters look, both moving up and down weights.
The head says Eubank Jr will be too strong but I just have a feeling Benn might do it, better work rate and a chance his power can translate to a higher weight, so I'm going for Benn by stoppage."
George Lacey Associate Producer at DAZN
"It's gonna be a barn-burner while it lasts…
Depending on the final agreed weight and rehydration clause, it's hard to confidently call the winner. Eubank is the naturally bigger guy with a great chin so will take some stopping, no doubt. I do however believe Benn will rise to the occasion. He loves a scrap but if he can keep composed for the first half of the fight, I can see it getting explosive in the later rounds – a shootout will eventually ensue.
Going bold and backing Benn in a coming-of-age fight to stop him in rounds 7-9."
Ben DayFormer Southern Area champion
"This must be a history fight with the fathers' sons fighting but Conor Benn gets stopped in rounds 5-6 by Eubank Jr.
There’s levels to this and Eubank has boxed genuine fighters at a much higher level, not Conor's fault as he’s a cash cow, but I don’t rate any of the fighters he’s boxed.
I’m not a betting man, but I will bet this time – light work, easy money, Eubank win by KO."
Bogdan Musat King Promotion Romania
"My opinion is that Conor Benn will win by TKO5."
Jazza DickensEnglish & British super-bantamweight champion
"The promoter wins. If it happens, it’ll be a British boxing fan's dream. I’m routing for Conor and Nigel."
Jamie ArlainFormer British Challenge belt champion
"I believe it will be Benn's biggest test to date, and will have to dig deep to come through the trenches, but for me, I’m going with the younger and fresher out the two – Benn by late stoppage."
