Conor Benn secured revenge in his huge rematch with Chris Eubank Jr on Saturday, after suffering an agonising defeat in their April showdown.
Seven months ago, Eubank Jr defeated Benn on points in an instant classic at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, handing the 29-year-old his first professional loss. And on Saturday, the British rivals returned to the scene of that bout for a seismic sequel.
While the rematch failed to deliver the consistent drama of the first fight, with Benn establishing and maintaining a clear lead, fans were brought out of their seats in the final minute as Benn dropped Eubank Jr twice. Eubank Jr, 36, did well to rise each time, but the moments were the exclamation marks on Benn’s redemption.
In winning on points, the 29-year-old also did what his father Nigel could not: score a victory over a Eubank. In the 1990s, Nigel Benn fought Eubank Sr twice, emerging from their own bitter rivalry with a defeat and a draw. But Conor can say he went one better, after finally earning a victory for his family in this generational feud.
Re-live updates and results from Eubank Jr vs Benn 2, and the undercard fights, below. Rewatch the fight on DAZN here, now.
How the night unfolded
Conor Benn claimed redemption against an out-of-sorts Chris Eubank Jr with a masterful display to end the long wait for his family to secure victory in this 35-year rivalry.
The sons of Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr had produced a classic encounter in April which went the way of the latter to ensure it was 2-0 after three historic bouts.
A fourth and final instalment failed to match the drama of previous contests, but Benn produced a composed showing for the best performance of his career to win by unanimous decision after the judges scored the one-sided fight 119-107, 116-110, 118-108.
Eubank Jr vs Benn 2 live
Some of the best images from a historic night:
‘There was something wrong with Eubank’
Our very own columnist Steve Bunce speaking on Radio 5 Live: “Obviously there was something wrong with Eubank, but take nothing away from Benn. He was brilliant from the start, powerful, controlled, patient. Everything he wasn’t in the first fight, he was magnificent.”
Eubank Jr vs Benn 2 live: Boxers speak on result
Eubank: “I’ve been through hell and back to get to this fight, and it is what it is.
“I tried my best, and listen: the kid fought hard, he fought tough.
“He’s got power! He was bigger than me on the scales, I don’t know how you did it.
“Listen, we put on a show, and yeah, Conor Benn was the best man tonight, so congratulations to him.”
A trilogy? Benn says no…
Eubank: “It’s 1-1, I’ve got to go away and deal with some things I’ve been dealing with, and who knows?”
He puts his hand on Benn’s shoulder.
Eubank Jr vs Benn 2 live: Boxers speak on result
Benn: “How does it feel? I got one on you, Nige! I got one on you, mate!
“You know what? I wanna thank everyone who’s come out tonight.
“I feel like this is the end of the Benn-Eubank saga. Done, finished, over.
“I know Chris has twins coming, and I’ve got my boy…
“To everyone who said I can’t box, put that in your pipe and smoke it. How about that?”
Asked about Eubank Jr, he says: “It’s gone quiet real quick!
“I mean, listen, this wouldn’t have been what it was without Chris – and our dads most of all.
“This is generational. This has never been done before.
“Credit to Chris, that’s all I’ve got to say. Thank you, [Chris].
“Not bad for two silver-spoon kids, eh?”
Eubank vs Benn 2 live: Revenge for Benn at last
Conor Benn def. Chris Eubank Jr via unanimous decision (119-107, 116-110, 118-108)
Eubank Jr applauds. The crowd cheers.
They got the drama they wanted in the end!
No debating the decision.
Benn is hoisted aloft by his dad Nigel. Conor is clearly so happy.
Eubank vs Benn 2 live
As we await the scorecards, Eubank Jr and Benn exchange words and smiles.
Eubank vs Benn 2 live: Round 12
Final round! Eubank surely needs a knockout to salvage this one.
He labours a left hook at Benn, but he lands a right hand in the ensuing chaos.
More lumbering entries from Eubank. Benn paws with the jab. Eubank lands a slicker one.
Benn leans onto a right hand! A good shot, but he skips away.
OH!! Eubank goes down hard! He lollops over backwards, but he is able to beat the count eventually!
Not even a minute to go, the crowd is on its feet!
Benn swarms Eubank, who looks to grapple and survive… He’s still wobbly!
He’s down again!! A shot to the back of his head floors him as he turns!
Back up again, just in time for the final bell, and the crowd roars!
Many of the fans are invigorated now, many are already leaving…
Drama, but too late?
