Unfinished Business: Eubank Jr v Benn 2 Preview And Prediction

The next and possible final chapter in one of British boxing’s fiercest rivalries will be written in sweat and blood when Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn trade leather in a much-anticipated rematch at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday night (Sunday morning SA time), writes Quintin van Jaarsveld.

Chris Eubank Jr (1.66) v Conor Benn (2.37)

When: 00:00 Sunday SA time

Reigniting an intense 35-year feud between families, Eubank Jr and Benn followed in their fathers’ footsteps when they put on a classic fight in April, a brutal and dramatic showdown that lived up to its years of build-up.

What started as a sons-of-legends grudge match exploded into a war that captivated fans around the world. Both men stood toe-to-toe in a ferocious display of heart and skill, trading moments of brilliance until Eubank Jr ultimately emerged victorious by unanimous decision. It was the first loss of Benn’s 24-fight pro career, and saw Eubank Jr improve his record to 35-3.

It was a special night of sweet science drama, more than 30 years after their fathers – Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn – rounded out their own gripping rivalry. Adding to the drama was the surprise appearance of Eubank Sr. Having criticised the natural weight disparity between his son and Conor Benn, it was a major shock to see Eubank Sr accompany Jr to the ring.

If anyone thought the rivalry would cool after the April epic, they were sorely mistaken. The bad blood between the two remains as thick as ever.

Ahead of their first fight, tensions boiled over when Eubank Jr slapped Benn with an egg during a face-off, an act that saw the former hit with several fines and charges. It was theatre, it was chaos, and it was personal. Then, when the dust settled in the ring, the fallout only deepened the animosity.

Eubank Jr accused Benn of foul play, hinting that something “wasn’t right” about his rival’s performance and reigniting suspicions tied to Benn’s previous drug test controversies.

Eubank Jr wasn’t done there. After all his fights, he’s taken straight to hospital to check for any major medical issues. He especially did so after the contest against Benn, as he’d struggled to make the 160-pound limit.

At the launch press conference for the rematch, Eubank Jr claimed that those associated with Benn and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, blocked his ambulance from leaving after the final bell in North London and that it took over 20 minutes for them to eventually leave.

Hearn has denied these serious accusations and threatened Eubank Jr with legal action, adding more fuel to the combustible build-up of a rematch that feels less like a sporting event and more like unfinished business between two men who simply can’t stand each other.

When the bell rings again, expect fireworks, but expect Eubank Jr to win once more due to his experience, composure, and adaptability. With his chin, conditioning, and newfound defensive discipline, Eubank Jr has the tools to not only beat Benn again, but to do it more decisively this time.

Prediction: Eubank Jr by decision.

Best Bet: Eubank Jr at 1.66.

Alternative Bet: Eubank Jr by decision at 3.25.