London, England – In a highly anticipated showdown that echoed the storied rivalry between their fathers, Chris Eubank Jr. faced Conor Benn on Saturday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, captivating a crowd of over 65,000. The bout marked a significant moment in boxing history, bringing to life a competitive legacy that spanned 35 years.
Eubank Jr., boasting a professional record of 34 wins and three losses, stepped into the ring following a tumultuous series of events. Originally scheduled to clash with Benn in October 2022, the match was abruptly canceled after Benn failed two drug tests just days before the fight. This setback led Eubank Jr. to engage in two bouts against Liam Smith in 2023, where he suffered a fourth-round TKO defeat before claiming victory in their rematch.
Meanwhile, Benn, previously undefeated with a record of 23-0, kept busy while the fallout from his doping scandal unfolded. He fought twice in the United States during the past two years, securing decisions over Rodolfo Orozco and Peter Dobson. The anticipation for this fight mounted as both fighters sought to validate their paths and establish dominance in the ring.
At Friday’s weigh-in, Eubank Jr. faced a setback, coming in slightly over the 160-pound middleweight limit, resulting in a $500,000 fine. Such infractions only heightened the stakes for the showdown, as both fighters sought to reclaim their reputations.
In addition to the main event, the card featured a light heavyweight trilogy match between Anthony Yarde and Lyndon Arthur. Their competitive history added an extra layer of excitement, as Yarde aimed to avenge a split-decision loss to Arthur from 2020. Their previous encounters demonstrated the intensity and unpredictability of their rivalry, fueling expectations for another explosive bout.
The British cruiserweight title was also on the line, with reigning champion Cheavon Clarke defending against the unbeaten Viddal Riley. Fans were eager to see whether Clarke could hold on to his title against a rising star in Riley, both of whom brought impressive records into the ring. The undercard further enhanced the evening’s allure, featuring Liam Smith against unbeaten Irishman Aaron McKenna.
As the fights unfolded, Eubank Jr.’s clash with Benn captured the spotlight, culminating in a unanimous decision victory for Eubank Jr., who secured the win with scores of 116-112 across all judges’ cards. Yarde also emerged victorious over Arthur in another split decision, further solidifying both fighters’ standings within their respective weight classes.
The electric atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium reflected the fervor surrounding these matchups, with fans eager to witness the continuation of boxing’s storied legacies. As the evening came to a close, the world of boxing was reminded of the drama, rivalry, and passion that fuel the sport.