Chris Eubank Sr. Reacts to Son’s Defeat by Conor Benn
In a notable clash at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Conor Benn secured a historic victory over Chris Eubank Jr. on November 15. This fight marked a significant moment for the Benn family, as it finally achieved a win against the Eubanks after 35 years. Conor, the son of boxer Nigel Benn, outpointed Eubank Jr. with a clear decision, thus avenging the first loss of his professional career.
Chris Eubank Sr. Shares His Thoughts
Two weeks after the fight, Chris Eubank Sr. took to Instagram to share his perspective on his son’s defeat. He expressed deep concerns about the fight occurring at all, citing significant risks involved. Eubank Sr. stated, “The way I felt about the fight is that the fight should not have happened. This was an extremely dangerous fight.”
Concerns Over Weight Clauses
Eubank Sr. specifically criticized the weight clauses imposed prior to the match. He pointed out that Eubank Jr. is not naturally a 160-pound fighter and argued that cutting weight is detrimental to an athlete’s performance. According to him, making such sacrifices can be equivalent to preparing for two or three different fights.
- Weight Agreement: Eubank Jr. agreed to fight at 160lbs.
- Rehydration Clause: He could only gain 10lbs after the weigh-in.
- Post-Fight Analysis: Eubank Jr. was dropped twice in the final round but avoided a stoppage.
This weight clause became a focal point during the fight’s buildup, with Eubank Jr. publicly criticizing the conditions. However, Benn’s team maintained that Eubank Jr. had willingly accepted the contract terms.
In summary, Chris Eubank Sr.’s reflections highlight the intense rivalry and the complications arising from weight management in boxing. As the Benn family celebrates this victory, the challenges within the sport remain a topic of discussion among fans and professionals alike.
