Conor Benn: “I’ll go home and cry” after defeating Eubank Jr.
Conor Benn delivered a masterful performance on Saturday, outclassing Chris Eubank Jr. in a fight that many believed wasn’t in his repertoire. Benn demonstrated a technical superiority that earned him the victory.
In the first encounter in April, Eubank Jr. prevailed on all three scorecards. However, Benn managed to reverse the situation at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, winning by unanimous decision, including two knockdowns in the twelfth round, culminating in a remarkable performance.
Benn, visibly emotional at the post-fight press conference, reflected on the two matchups and the victory that finally came for the Benn family.
I feel like I’m going to go home and cry.
Conor Benn
Conor Benn celebra junto a su esposa Victoria Benn, su madre Caroline Jackson y su padre Nigel Benn tras la victoria contra Chris Eubank Jr. (Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)Benn shared his feelings about the path taken: “It’s been tough. Facing my first defeat, coming back from adversity. These are things you have to do. As a man, you go through things in life and you don’t know why.”
“But you just have to keep fighting. Staying in shape, staying in shape when you really don’t want to show up. Facing your own demons every day, that’s the hardest fight actually. Getting in the ring for 36 minutes is not a problem.”
In 2022, on the eve of the original scheduled fight between him and Eubank Jr., Benn failed two drug tests. Subsequently, he was authorized to fight again in the UK in 2024, but acknowledged having had suicidal thoughts in the intervening two years.
The 29-year-old boxer dedicated the victory to his friends and family who supported him during that time.
“There are a lot of people in the locker room who were there for me during those times, gave me advice. Ultimately, I couldn’t do it alone. I wasn’t strong enough to do it alone,” Benn said.
“I had good support people who helped me carry the load. The victory is for the people in that room. Each of us because when I was down, we were all down. And when I’m doing well, we’re all doing well.
“I wouldn’t be the man I am, I wouldn’t be the fighter I am without my team.”
