How Eubank Beat Benn And Matchroom
Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn threw up many talking points as we look back at some of the most memorable moments.
Eubank came out victorious with a unanimous decision win, upholding the Eubank family name by following in his father, Chris Eubank Sr.’s footsteps. Eubank Jr. defied many obstacles coming into this fight. He had to abide by strict weight stipulations, which was a 160-pound limit with a 10-pound rehydration clause.
He failed to make the 160-pound limit by a small margin, getting a £375,000 fine. While he did make the 10-pound rehydration clause limit on the morning of the fight, it was clear that Eubank was not the same fighter he usually was due to being weight-drained. However, he put on a determined performance to show that he could defeat Benn despite not being at his best.
Eubank’s ‘Wins’
He also got one over Eddie Hearn after the Matchroom Boxing promoter initially claimed that he would have a bet with Ben Shalom, as he was confident of a Benn win. However, Hearn backtracked on those comments by stating that he would get fined by the British Boxing Board of Control if he were to make such a bet.
Eubank Jr. told Hearn to honor his word by taking the bet with him. Eubank even went so far as to state that he would cover the fine imposed by the Board, urging Hearn to put his money where his mouth was. Hearn ultimately backed down as Eubank secured a win over the Matchroom Boxing promoter with his victory. Eubank also dominated the press conference, by shutting down Hearn on numerous occasions.
He refused to let Hearn speak, stating that the presser was more about the fighters. He even forced Hearn to step down from the podium during the final press conference. Frank Smith took Hearn’s place, but that move also failed to pay off, as Eubank managed to silence him.
Eubank’s Actions
Eubank also humiliated Benn by egging him during the initial kickoff press conference. This was in reference to Benn’s failed VADA tests for Clomiphene. Benn later said that he had been cleared by the WBC, who offered an explanation that an over-consumption of eggs may have led to the failed tests.
Eubank also managed to reconcile with his father, Chris Eubank Sr., who was very critical of the fight.
Sr. had initially said he would not attend the fight due to safety concerns. That sentiment stayed all the way up until fight night until Eubank Sr. made a shocking appearance. While it is not clear if this was all pre-planned by the Eubanks, it certainly gave him an edge by seeing his father be there on the biggest night of his career. Eubank Jr. now holds all the cards, putting him in a position to decide the terms of a rematch.
