Chris Eubank Jr. versus Conor Benn – The rematch – who wins?

Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn fought an intense 12-rounder six months ago.

The result, Eubank winning, wasn’t a surprise, but the fight itself was.

These guys are the sons of two former world champions. Neither has hit the heights of their fathers. Eubank Jr. picked up a minor title several years ago. Benn, eight years younger, hasn’t captured any notable belts.

Still, the first bout drew interest.

Why?

Because of the two grueling fights between Eubank Sr. and Benn.

WAR IN LONDON! | Chris Eubank Jr (UK) vs Connor Benn (UK) | Boxing Fight Highlights | 4K | 60 FPS

Both were undefeated when they fought for the first time in 1990. Eubank Sr. stopped Nigel Benn in nine blistering rounds. People demanded a rematch, but it took almost three years to occur, although it didn’t disappoint.

The judges declared the rematch a draw. Many believed Benn did better. Though discussed, a third fight never happened.

The bad blood remained.

And then came the offspring.

Eubank Jr.’s career has been a curious case of posturing and not meeting expectations, though he can fight.

He won a minor title years ago, but Billy Joe Saunders, George Groves, and Liam Smith beat him.

Eubank Jr. avenged the Smith loss cleanly. He’s a boxer-puncher, employing a good jab. He’s scored 25 knockouts in his career.

A failed drug test stalled Benn’s career. He served his time (complaining along the way). His most impressive victory was a brutal knockout of Chris Algieri in 2021. After he returned from his suspension, he didn’t look all that good.

When they met at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last April, many media types predicted the fight would be a dud.

Never underestimate pride.

Benn did well early as Eubank Jr. labored. He woke up in round four, using his superior boxing skills to full advantage. His jab caught Benn coming in consistently.

Benn fought with fiery intensity. Eubank Jr. dug down deep to secure the last two rounds of the 12-rounder.

All three judges had Eubank Jr. winning the fight.

Eubank landed 367 punches. Benn, 215.

The other’s durability surprised both fighters.

“I thought I would break him,” Eubank said in a piece on boxingscene.com last week. “I thought he would quit, because that’s what cheaters do…. He was hurt, he was tired, and he stayed in there. And for that I’ll give him his respect and his credit.”

“I actually thought I was genuinely going to knock him out,” Benn told Sky Sports last month.

So here comes the rematch this Saturday at the same venue.

The odds favor Eubank Jr., but many boxing luminaries think Benn will get his revenge.

“I’m probably gonna pick Conor Benn,” revealed Carl Froch on SunSport’s No Glove Lost episode. “I think the youngness and the freshness and what he learned from the first fight will be enough.”

Carl Frampton agrees with Froch.

“I think Benn’s going to beat Eubank this time,” said Frampton. “The last fight was unbelievable, but fights like that take something out of you. And at Eubank’s age, it takes a little bit more out of Eubank than it does out of Benn. I fancy Conor Benn to do it, but that means he’ll [Eubank] do it again.”

Eubank Jr. is 36. Benn is 29. Eubank Jr. certainly has more mileage. Benn is fresher. But will it be enough?

I’m expecting another barn-burner.