Conor Benn 21-0 (14) is still aiming for a world title shot at welterweight, but says his 157-pound catchweight bout with Chris Eubank Jr 32-2 (23) at the O2 Arena in London, England on October 8 was an opportunity too good to pass up.
Benn’s father Nigel and Eubank’s father Chris Sr had a classic all-British rivalry in the early 1990s that saw Eubank Sr win the first fight by stoppage, while the second bout was declared a split draw.
For these second generation boxers, their names have been intrinsically linked from the moment they picked up the gloves.
“I’ve said that numerous times. This is a fight that makes sense for now,” Benn said.
“The world title is still the goal, but this is once in a lifetime. This is a fantasy fight for the British public. Forget about how far apart we were when I first turned pro, the names were still mentioned to me. Eubank was still mentioned to me before I even had my debut fight. It’s just been brewing and the stars have aligned for October 8th.
“As Chris said, we’ve both walked the same road so you’ve got to respect that. I respect all fighters. But when we get in there we will settle the family business. I’m taking care of the family business. The last fight was a draw. It’s about time I set the score straight.
“At the end of the day it’s not my job to worry about what he thinks or what he does, or his team and how he’s approaching this. I worry about what I’ve got to do. I’ve always worried about what I’ve got to do, irrelevant of everyone else and what they’re doing.
“I’m focusing on delivering on October 8th. I haven’t failed to deliver. I haven’t tasted a loss and I don’t plan on taking a loss on October 8th.”
Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing said: “I’m sure many of you are sitting here can’t quite believe it as well. Eubank Jr against Benn. October the 8th, O2 Arena, live and exclusive on DAZN PPV.
“I wish we had seven O2 Arenas – this fight is an absolute monster. The biggest in British boxing, perhaps one of the biggest ever in the sport in this country. I’m delighted to be sitting here alongside our co-promoter Kalle Sauerland and Wasserman Boxing. Thanks to Kalle, Team Eubank, Team Benn for coming together to make this iconic fight.
“We all grew up with this rivalry. The greatest rivalry in British boxing. In 1990 I was 11 years old and I remember one of the greatest nights for our family, when Chris Eubank Snr stopped Nigel Benn to win the world middleweight title in Birmingham. Three years later I remember the night so clearly, a hazy night at Old Trafford, over 45,000 people, 15 million on terrestrial TV watched the rematch.
“Now almost 30 years on we get to see part three. An incredible moment, these two step up for what will be the biggest fight in British boxing.”
