Conor Benn earns rematch revenge over Chris Eubank Jr, but it’s not pretty
Plus, wins for Catterall, Azim and Riakporhe on Tottenham card
After four decades of trying, Conor Benn finally chalked up a family victory over the Eubanks last night, beating Chris Jr by unanimous decision in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The judges’ scores of 119-107, 116-110 and 118-108 highlighted the one-sided nature of his win.
One of many spectres that has hung over this entire affair, way back to their cancelled first fight in 2022, when Benn tested positive for a banned substance, was the ghost of Eubank Jr trying to boil down to 160 pounds.
Many thought the weight drain and rehydration concerns would come back to bite him in the first fight. That didn’t happen, as Eubank found enough fizz to win a decision. This time, he looked heavy-legged as his 36-year-old frame lumbered from ringpost to rope, primarily seeking respite.
A bigger puncher than Benn would’ve put the Brighton man out of his misery long before the torrid 12th round that saw Eubank dropped twice and just about make it to the final bell.
In fact, Junior spent most of the fight going through the motions, preserving his reputation for toughness by lasting the distance. He looked like the withered final version of James DeGale that Eubank defeated back in 2019.
Unperturbed by what was staggering around in front of him, Benn took the early initiative and carried out his job sufficiently. Winning rounds with greater activity, a snappier jab and additional energy, keeping the movement going and hands flowing. It was more than enough to grab the sessions as Eubank grappled and grasped to just stay competitive.
With both men making millions, skirting around the space between top-level boxing and celebrity status, packing out a stadium twice is an achievement tempting enough to consider a third outing.
After Saturday night’s display, that would be ill-advised. This is boxing, however, and given that the sons’ series is now 1-1, offering Eubank a few more pounds of weight to play with suddenly starts to build a narrative around a trilogy.
Honestly, he should take Prince Naseem’s longstanding advice and retire. Benn, meanwhile, should look to the likes of Lewis Crocker (IBF champion), Mario Barrios (WBC champion), or others of a similar stature to pursue his world title dream.
“It’s all about this man. This is his night,” Eubank Jr conceded, as Benn’s promoter Eddie Hearn grinned in the background. It was style over substance, but perhaps the sport needs nights like this to encourage the next generation to pick up the gloves.
Many arguments of that nature were made before, during and after the main event. I understand them, but it’s of little interest to many grizzled old boxing heads. Let this be the end of the ongoing Benn-Eubank rivalry until their grandsons are of fighting age.
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Jack Catterall finally gets rid of Ekow in 11
In a brutal and bruising affair, Jack Catterall somehow found a way to get rid of a facially slashed Ekow Essuman in round 11. As usual, the ending was controversial, with referee John Latham’s actions (or, rather, non-action) causing a talking point as Essuman melted through the ropes and required oxygen.
Adam Azim catches up with slippery Scoby
Using his hand speed and pinpoint jab, Adam Azim dominated Kurt Scoby before putting the 12th-round cherry on the cake. The American had plenty to say in the build-up but offered nothing, eventually crumbling in the final session.
Richard Riakporhe blasts away Tommy Welch in two
Richard Riakporhe scored three knockdowns on the way to a second-round knockout of overmatched Tommy Welch. Brighton man Welch had never attempted to swim in these waters before and RR was too big and powerful, filled out at heavyweight.
Ishmael Davis defeats Sam Gilley on points
Just as he was about to become a hard-luck story, Ishmael Davis got a tight one, defeating Sam Gilley by unanimous decision to take home the British and Commonwealth super-welterweight titles. The judges’ scores read: 115-113 (twice) and 115-114 in favour of the Leeds man.
Image Credits: DAZN/supplied by promoter.
About Steve…
Current existence: Online editor at Boxing News Magazine.
Previous lives: Author (8 books), podcaster (500+ eps), scriptwriter for Motivedia channel, newspaper journalist, copywriter & educator.
Contact: stevenwellings1982@gmail.com
I was there and it was a great time - also important to mention Tallon secured only his second stoppage in eleven wins in the opening contest!
Without a doubt, Tallon becomes a great domestic fighter at flyweight and could even inch towards greater things, with the right development :)
Makes sense. Do you think that "more promoters" is the answer? My take for nyc,is that there is a vaccuum in the "middle bracket". There are smokers and then there are the ones who aspire to bigger, notably saudi cards. But there is a lack of events between these two, and i feel where it is at this level where you get to shine at a really local level