Eubank Jr. vs. Benn II: As Big As Their Fathers’ Rematch? Analysis

Hearn: Eubank Jr. vs. Benn II Could Be As Big As Their Fathers’ Rematch

Eddie Hearn, boxing promoter, claims that the Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn II showdown has the potential to match the magnitude of their fathers’ iconic rematch in October 1993. Back then, the rivalry between Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank culminated in one of the most important fights in British boxing history. Hearn, who witnessed his first fight from ringside at the age of 14, witnessed the controversial draw between Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England. This time, Hearn is in the opposite corner as the promoter of Conor Benn, Nigel’s son, who will face Eubank Jr. in a non-title middleweight bout at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.

The first clash between the English rivals in April was an absorbing event, where Eubank Jr. secured a deserved unanimous decision victory. This fight, which was the most prominent in the UK this year, will it be able to match the significance of the 1993 rematch?

“I think it’s just as big,” Hearn declared.

Eddie Hearn

Hearn highlights that the first fight exceeded expectations in terms of entertainment and quality. He believes that both boxers will try to be more strategic in their next match, but emphasizes the essence of Conor Benn, his father’s son, and that he will not change his style. The promoter points out that the only difference is that there is no world championship at stake, as there was in 1993. Although Hearn highlights live assistance, the 1993 rematch attracted a larger television audience. The event was watched in more than 60 countries, with a global audience estimated at half a billion people, surpassing current figures. However, in the UK, the 1993 rematch was watched by 16.5 million people via free-to-air television, a figure significantly higher than the pay-per-view audience of the heavyweight fight between Lewis and Bruno a week earlier. Hearn recalls the unforgettable atmosphere of the night in 1993 in Manchester, with great anticipation. He also shares personal anecdotes about the rivalry, revealing his sympathy for Nigel Benn back then.

The rivalry between Eubank and Benn intensified after Eubank’s victory in 1990. In 1993, both were well-known sports stars in the UK. Benn openly expressed his aversion towards Eubank, while there was a great demand for a rematch.

Don King and Frank Warren, promotional rivals, were also involved in the 1993 rematch. Hearn recalls the situation in which his father, Barry Hearn, organized the event with Don King to obtain funding from the United States, and then King introduced Frank Warren as a partner. The promoter highlights that the original agreement included options for the winner of the fight, but the draw complicated the situation. After the 1993 rematch, Nigel Benn continued to win world titles. Eubank, for his part, had a career with more wins and losses after the rematch, but his best moments were before that encounter. Conor Benn, 29, has less pressure than Eubank, 36, and Hearn expects Benn to compete for a world title at welterweight or super welterweight later this year, regardless of Saturday’s result. Hearn believes Conor Benn has nothing to lose, while a defeat for Eubank Jr. could affect his future opportunities. The promoter suggests that if Benn wins, he could drop to 147 pounds and aim for titles in different categories. Hearn is confident that his team can surprise and get the victory.