Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn have their date with destiny tonight when they renew their family feud three decades after their fathers last met in the ring.
Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn fought twice, first in 1990 and then again three years later, with Eubank winning the first meeting before the second was scored a controversial draw. Now their sons will meet in front of more than 65,000 fans at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium tonight.
Fight week has been full of drama after Eubank Jr was fined £375,000 yesterday for coming in 0.05lb heavier than the 160lb middleweight limit. But he successfully weighed in at 169.4lb this morning – under the 170lb limit of the controversial rehydration clause.
The two fighters are expected to walk to the ring at around 9.45pm tonight with the fight getting underway shortly after 10pm. The fight is being streamed on DAZN but you can follow all the action right here…
Chris Billam-Smith is in cruise control here. However, he needs to remain calm and not allow his American to get a whiff of hope that’ll allow him to snatch the fight. It’s fair to say that Brandon needs a stoppage here as Glanton’s corner bellow ‘six minutes to change your life.’
Will that spur him on? We’re about to find out. Glanton straigh out of the blokes, but misses with a few shots. That won’t do wonders for his confidence. These body shots fron ‘CBS’ have been a joy to watch over the last few minutes. It’s clear both men are tired as they’re clinching a lot more now. Good combination from Billam-Smith lands – the class is on full force now as he’s now making his foe miss a lot more. A little over a minute to go and both men are trading in the pocket against the ropes. Good right uppercut from the Brit lands along with a body shots. This is great stuff as we head into the final three minutes here in north London.
Glanton needs a bit of a second wind as we head down the stretch. Great first fight to open such a historic card. Both men are a tad tired, but ‘CBS’ is showing his experience and class at the top level as he lands a great looping right hand over the top, followed by a right hand downstairs. The American is starting to lose these rounds. ‘CBS’ is moving well – the confidence is well and truly on display.
That said, he must stay composed. Glanton is doing his best as he’s still trying to land is continuously pressing forward, trying to land a hayemaker. Good left hand lands from the Brit as we head into the final few seconds of the tenth. Again, these body shots from ‘CBS’ continue to dig in and hurt the American. Glanton is running out of time here!
Glanton looking a little laboured as he headed to his respective corner at the end of round eight. Is he starting to tire? It’s clear that he doesn’t have too much experience in the later rounds. Nice job to the body once again from Billam-Smith – they’ve served him well over these last few rounds. But once again, both men are clinching. Glanton needs to step up just a tad here. Even though ‘CBS’ is slightly tired, he’s just beginning to impose his strength on the American.
The Brit has an opportunity here. Glanton is in deep waters as we approach the back end of the ninth round. Good combination lands from the Bournemouth star. Billam-Smith needs to continue with those jabs, but he successfully lands a few good jabs – that’ll do nicely for him as he heads back downstairs. Glanton tries to land a few shots to the body, but we now head into the tenth.
Both men are having fun in there…. is that Ed Sheeren with a card signalling the eighth round? Just when you think you’ve seen it all in boxing. Close fight so far, but Billam-Smith will be happy with these last few rounds as we near the championship minutes. Both men clinch again but are quickly separated.
We’ve reached the midway point as ‘CBS’ is getting behind his jab a little bit, but yet again, Glanton’s chin is on full display here. These last few minutes have been a bit scrappy… too much clinching. The referee is getting involved a little bit more. ‘CBS’ is grimacing a tad as Brandon is making it a tough fight. But back comes Billam-Smith with a few stinging shots downstairs as he ends the round on the front foot.
‘CBS’ will be a little happier with the previous round. Can he keep it up here? A quick clinch to start proceedings in round seven, but the pair are quickly separated. The Bournemouth fighter lands a brutal uppercut, followed by two more. The American has a chin on him, to be fair! Nice shot from Glanton drops the American but it’s been deemed as a slip. His choice in footwear isn’t serving Brandon well.
Two ripping body shots fro Billam-Smith lands. They were sickening shots! The Brit comes forward with another right hand. Glanton is refusing to back down as he’s throwing with intent. The body shots these last few rounds from ‘CBS’ have been spot on as we approach the end of the round. Can the Brit start to control the final few rounds? Big right hand from Glanton lands as soon as the bell sounds – Chris doesn’t seem to affected by it, though.
Billam-Smith is starting to tire here. Interesting to see if this smaller ring is affecting him a tad. Does he have it in him to go into deep waters? Given his track record, he does, but Glanton has come to fight. The American races to the middle of the ring as he looks to get the jab going. It’s clear that Glanton’s gameplan is to be the aggressor and it’s affecting the Brit. Good combination from Brand Glanton yet again…. he’s not slowing down at all!
‘CBS’ needs to gain some sort of composure again. He had success in the early rounds, but he’s been on the backfoot over the last few rounds. Nice shot from Billam-Smith, however, with just over a minute to go. The Brit is still breathing heavy but fires an uppercut followed by a right that’s got his corner excited. Chris has gained a little bit of momentum as he’s finding these quality punches. Great first half here in north London.
Here we go into round five as we approach the midway point. Billam-Smith lands a few jabs to get the round going, he’s trying to move quickly and establish a little bit of control. But once again, it’s clear that Glanton is wanting to make it a scrappy contest. Ripping shots to the body from Chris against the ropes. But the pair meet in the middle as Glanton tries to get a few shots in the pocket.
‘CBS’ letting his hands go, but Glanton doesn’t seem to be too fazed by them. Billam-Smith lands a hard shot, but Glanton returns fire with an explosive shot followed by a right hand over the top as we head into the sixth round. Cracking from both men.
There’s some slight bruising around Billam-Smith’s left eye. It’ll be interesting to see if it gets any worse as we approach the later rounds of the fight. But back underway here in London as both men once again trade leather in the centre of the ring. Right hand lands from the Brit… he needed that. A ripping shot to the body lands from the Bournemouth brawler.
But Glanton has his rival against the ropes – with both men now trading left hooks. The intensity from both men has been a joy to watch so far. Lovely jab from Glanton with just over a minute to go. A bit scrappy here towards the back end of the round. Glanton once again pushes his foe against the ropes as we head into round five.
What a fiery start to the fight here in north London! Once again Glanton is quick to work the body… Billam-Smith looks a tad tired here, but he’s still pressing forward as the Brit fires away with a few shots to the body. Left hook nearly takes Billam-Smith off his feet. Chris is starting to breathe heavy here and is having to dig deep. Glanton is starting to have some fun here in the ring.
Good combination from the American who is digging down on these shots, but Billam-Smith fires back with a big right hand. Don’t take your eyes off of this one as we hear the bell. Amazing fight so far here at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Will both men keep up the same intensity here? We’re about to find out… Billam-Smith comes out swinging again, but Glanton is clearly up for a good scrap here and is refusing to back down, trading his own hard and clean shots upstairs. Good uppercut lands from the Brit, but the pair quickly clinch again. Billam-Smith is working the body nicely here, but Glanton catches his foe in return.
Right hands lands from Billam-Smith… both men trading blows. Great to see here. The Bournemouth native lands yet another tidy uppercut, one minute to go. A couple of body shots, followed by a shot upstairs from the American as Glanton is really growing into it. There’s no way they can keep this up for 12 rounds…. Glanton lands a great left hook towards the back end of the round followed by a sharp right up-top. ANOTHER great round.
A crucial fight for Billam-Smith here as he so desperately needs a win against his energetic rival in Glanton. A crunch crusierweight dust-up here in north London. The pair rush to the centre of the ring as Glanton immediately gets the jab going in an attempt to get under his foes skin.
No feeling out process here from Brandon…. straight out the blocks! Great work from Billam-Smith inside, though as he returns fire. The pair clinch before they’re quickly separated, but both are quick to hug again. The pair split again and Billam-Smith works the body well as we approach the final minute mark of the round. Chris can’t afford to be involved in a dog fight here… Glanton lands a good body shot here which backs the Brit against the ropes…. 30 seconds to go here! Another great body shot for the Bournemouth native as the pair trade in the pocket in the final few seconds of the round. Cracking three minutes!
Our first fight is about to get underway…
Chris Billam-Smith vs Brandon Glanton –
This is a crucial fight for Billam-Smith as it’s his first fight since losing his WBO world title to Gilberto Ramirez at the end of last year, following that painful unanimous decision defeat. The 34-year-old was catapulted into the spotlight following his famous win over Lawrence Okolie in 2023 saw him become a world champion, but he will now have to rebuild against American fighter Glanton, who is an accomplished cruiserweight dubbed “Bulletproof” who has only lost twice. Glanton has won his last three fights by way of knockout and this could be an exciting and explosive match-up between two men who like putting on a show.
Ahead of the fight tonight, both Eubank Jr and Benn weren’t allowed to weigh no more than 170lb at 8am earlier this morning due to the 10lb rehydration clause. Thankfully, both men made the limit, but Carl Froch has shared his concerns about the aforementioned clause.
He said on his official YouTube channel: “Now he’s (Eubank Jr) being unable to rehydrate sufficiently… He was 169.4lb this morning, but my concern there is what did he do to get up to that? Has he been back out on a run? Has he been sweating this morning? Because yesterday, he would’ve replenished himself, but then this morning if he woke up and he’s 13.14 pounds over, he’s not going to want to get fined again.
“We know getting in the ring he will be depleted, like he was against Liam Smith… He’s not the full version of Chris Eubank Jr… Some people are saying he’ll be at his best here cause he’s bigger than Benn. That’s not the case here, because he’ll be dehydrated. He’ll feel dead at the weight after round five or six because he’ll be knackered. You’ve got people like Eddie Hearn saying he’s going to have a stone advantage. There’s no advantage of being a stone heavier (like this), trust me.”
Boxing legend Carl Froch has criticised the contractual terms of Chris Eubank Jr’s upcoming clash with Conor Benn. The bout will take place at middleweight (160lb) – two weight classes above Benn’s natural weight class, welterweight. There was also a rehydration clause of 10lbs for the morning of the fight.
Speaking on his official YouTube channel, the legendary boxer expressed his concern: “Now, Conor Benn makes weight at 156 pounds … Chris Eubank Jr has just missed it. Now, it’s not the fact that he’s missed weight, it’s what I’ve seen since, how he’s tried to make the weight, that I’ve been concerned about.
“He’s been lying in space suits and sleeping bags, drawin every last ounce of fluid out of his body. He would’ve been dieting and training and sweating to get down to 160.2 pounds and then he’s a couple of ounces heavy. The fact that he’s already done his b******* in and he’s still not made weight… the problem with dehydrating the body is not just the fluid from your muscles, it’s the fluid that sits around the brain.”
The event will be streamed live on DAZN pay-per-view in more than 200 countries worldwide. The pay-per-view will cost UK fans £19.95, $24.99 in the US, and €24.99 in Europe. It will also air live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK at a cost of £19.95. Click the link below to buy the fight on DAZN. Fans do not have to be customers of either service to buy tonight’s fight.
The blockbuster event is scheduled to take place live at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. The main undercard is scheduled to get underway at around 5pm BST (9am PT / 11am CT / 12pm ET). Benn is set to make the walk to the ring first at around 945pm BST (1.45pm PT / 3.45pm CT / 4.45pm ET) with Eubank Jr set to follow immediately after. The two stars will then touch gloves just after 10pm BST before the first bell sounds. The fight should not start later than this but could be brought forward if the undercard fights are completed earlier than expected.
Given an event of this magnitude, it comes as no surprise to see so many big names who are set to be ringside for the event! Football stars such as Ben Chilwell, Ollie Watkins and Declan Rice are due to be at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Noni Madueke will also be ringside. The Chelsea winger played a pivotal role in the Blues’ big 1-0 win at home to Everton earlier today.
Also on the list is none other than Newcastle manager Eddie Howe. As I type this, the Magpies are currently 3-0 up at home to Ipswich. How on earth will Eddie make it in time?! I’m assuming he’ll be travelling privately and in some style in order to make it in time for the main event at least.
Social media stars KSI, IShowSpeed and Maya Jama will also be ringisde tonight!
The stars are out for #EubankBenn ✨#EubankBenn | April 26 | Live on Sky Sports Box OfficeWatch here: https://t.co/QPsLr60FPV pic.twitter.com/bBQMPeLImD
Tyson Fury has claimed he does not watch anymore after being asked for his prediction for Chris Eubank Jr’s fight with Conor Benn. Fury announced his retirement from the sport in January, shortly after he was beaten by heavyweight rival Oleksandr Usyk for a second time.
The Gypsy King has remained largely out of the spotlight since retiring and he has refused to make a prediction for the clash between Eubank Jr and Benn when asked for his thoughts on the fight by Ring Magazine.
In response to the question, Fury simply said: “dont watch boxing anymore”. Fury was also asked for a prediction by TNT Sports last year and replied: “It’s a weight category thing, if it’s at 10.5 stone it’s going to be Conor Benn, if it’s at middleweight then probably Chris Eubank Jr.”
Click the link to read the full story…
The ceremonial weigh-in is the last time two fighters get to look at each other in the eye before they step in the ring and trade leather. Both Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn went nose-to-nose one final time last night in London ahead of tonight’s dust-up.
And ‘Next Gen’ was quick to send a chilling warning to his foe. “Weight has no relevance,” he said. “I’m going to go in there and stop this guy. All these things are set up to distract and displace and try to get me off track. None of it will work. He’s in for a hell of a surprise. He has no idea the pain in store for him.”
Benn himself was eager to have one final say and admits he has no sympathy for his rival missing weight. “It’s an expensive price to pay but he’s disciplined and should have made the weight,” Benn declared.
“He’s expecting sympathy but won’t get any sympathy around here. I’m a 147 fighter so I’ll go in there and use my speed, my ferocity. I don’t know if I’m supposed to look scared, intimidated. I’m neither. I’m just looking forward to Saturday. I’m here to take his head clean off.”
With the action not that far away, here’s everything you need to know about the timings for tonight’s blockbuster pay-per-view card:
Given how intense the face-off was at the pre-fight press conference, it was inevitable that both men were going to stare each other down ruthlessly at the ceremonial weigh-ins in London last night.
THE FINAL FACE-OFF!
Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn are all set to FIGHT!
Buy #EubankBenn on DAZN NOW – link in bio | Powered by @FATALFURY_PR City of Wolves | April 26 | @SNKPofficial | @ringmagazine pic.twitter.com/pAuTaVUxoC
Well, Boxing promtoer Ben Shalom certainly thinks so. Given the heated rivalry between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn, it comes as no surprise to see so many people worldwide talking about the event.
And Shalom himself is looking forward to all of the action. Speaking to Betfred, he said: “It is the biggest, it will be the biggest and I expect Chris Eubank Jr to do the business. He’s sold the fight really well and been classy throughout the build-up. I think he’s dealt with everything really well because he’s a superstar isn’t he? I can’t wait and I think he’s going to light it up in Tottenham. It will be a phenomenal spectacle. Eubank Jr for the win.”
The stage is set ahead of tonight’s tremendous card. It’s got that big fight feel to it in what promises to be a historic night of boxing.
The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in north London will play host to all of the action this evening!
The stage is set@SpursStadium
Buy #EubankBenn on DAZN NOW – link in bio | Powered by @FATALFURY_PR City of Wolves | April 26 | @SNKPofficial | @ringmagazine pic.twitter.com/1qvbWAKjZv
Chris Eubank Sr has launched a fresh attack on his son ahead of his showdown with Conor Benn later this evening.
The boxing legend told The Sun: “Junior has never understood what boxing is about. Boxing is about being the chief in the community. The people will look up to you if you achieve what I’m trying to get you to. It isn’t this (money making gesture) I’m trying to get you to.
“I’m trying to get you to the point where the hearts of the people are with you. I’m no longer liked, I’m loved. Why? Because I’ve been a gentleman right the way through on every single subject that has come in front of me.”
He added: “I told my son three years ago, that fight does not happen,’ Eubank Sr said. ‘He is the wrong weight. I told him why it shouldn’t happen and why it will not happen. I was correct last time and I will be correct this time.
“We can’t have any more Michael Watsons. He is the people’s champion. You are getting blinded by this circus put on by these promoters. Barry (Hearn), your son (Eddie Hearn) said there’s real hate now. What hate? It’s just money. There’s no hate.
“The hate is in the promoters’ mindset. I wish you (Chris Jr) would listen but I know you won’t.”
“I think it’s a fight of two halves,” Bellew said when speaking on First Round TV earlier this month.
“My heart always says Conor, I love the kid, he’s a good kid with a good heart. But if this fight goes past six rounds, is a hard night’s work. I should say eight rounds, cause Conor is extremely fit. It’s just when it gets to the stage that weight and size is a factor, it shows.
“But I think Chris Eubank is a terrible boxer, he’s a better fighter than boxer. I’m saying Conor Benn in the first five rounds. I think he’ll catch him and nail him and jump all over him.”
Earlier this week, the boxing icon doubled down on his prediction. “The big thing is how intense and for how long can Conor do it for?” Bellew explained. “I can do it for 12 rounds,” Benn said.
To which Bellew replied: “You won’t lose a single round then. If you can throw a 100 punches a round with the intensity and ferocity, you will not lose a round.”
“I feel prepared. I’ve done everything I possibly can in the gym and left no stone unturned. It’s always personal. Every opponent I fight is personal. People want to say it’s strictly business, but it’s never business. If you’re trying to put your hands on me and render me unconscious, it’s never business. It’s always personal with every single one of my opponents, but this one has a little bit more history to it.”
“This fight isn’t about size or weight. It’s about skill. It’s about dedication. It’s about expertise and all those areas in which I excel in. I have many, many more years of experience over Conor Benn, and that will be the deciding factor of the night. The procedure will be parliamentary. That’s the only thing I can say about the outcome of this fight. If everything goes the way I want it to go – I will be like a matador in that ring and Conor Benn will be the bull.”
It’s no secret that since the fight was made official, legendary boxer Chris Eubank Sr has constantly expressed his disapproval of the clash. Eubank Sr insisted that his son would have to boil himself down to make the weight.
The boxing icon had continued to make the headlines and Anthony Crolla has offered his view on the topic of Eubank Sr. Speaking to All Out Fighting on behalf of Freebets.com, he said:
“Senior’s always been his own man. He’s never been shy about giving his opinion. It’s his son, so of course he’s entitled to speak on it. I understand where he’s coming from. But I think everyone hopes he’ll be there on the night, even if he hasn’t supported the fight publicly. Junior seems fine with it either way.”
When asked if Jr would be affected by not having his dad in his corner, Crolla replied: “I don’t think so. Junior’s not the type to be distracted by that. He’s very focused. He’s not someone who needs a big entourage or people around him. I think he’ll be able to block all that out and do his job.”
Former undisputed light-welterweight champion Josh Taylor has called for Chris Eubank Jr’s fight against Conor Benn to be cancelled. Eubank Jr is due to fight Benn at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.
The pair were originally set to fight back in 2022, but the bout was scrapped after Benn twice tested positive for the banned substance clomifene. However, the fight is now finally set to take place tonight in a continuation of the legendary rivalry between Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn.
After missing weight, Eubank Jr shared a clip on social media of his attempts to meet the 160lb limit and Taylor has shared his concerns about the effect the weight cut may have on the 35-year-old.
In response to the video, Taylor wrote on social media: “I think it should be called off. Eubank looked terrible & he has a rehydration clause chucked in there on top of that aswell.
“I think this is potentially a very disastrous night for boxing waiting to happen. I desperately hope this is not the case.”
Get all the boxing & MMA updates you need with our Mirror Fighting email update – sign up here