RYAN GARCIA HAS FOUGHT 'THE BEST OF THE BEST' 🥊

 

RYAN GARCIA REACTS TO KNOCKING OUT CONOR BENN

 

RYAN GARCIA VS. CONOR BENN | WEIGH-IN HIGHLIGHTS

 

'DEVASTATED' EDDIE HEARN HITS OUT AT CONNOR BENN AFTER BOXER DUMPED PROMOTER FOR DANA' WHITE'S FLEDGLING COMLANY - AND REVEALS STAR'S SHOCKING REACTION WHEN HE ASKED FOR A PHONE CALL MOMENTS BEFORE 'PAINFUL' SPLIT'

Eddie Hearn has revealed he is 'devastated' following Conor Benn's decision to sign with Dana White's outfit Zuffa Boxing - and admitted that he may have 'misjudged the character' of the boxer.

The 29-year-old, son of British legend Nigel Benn, sensationally announced on Thursday that he was ditching Hearn's promotion Matchroom Boxing after a decade-long relationship.

Benn, who has ambitions of winning the WBC welterweight title, thanked Hearn for standing by him during the tough periods of his career and said he was excited for a 'new chapter' aimed at securing 'legacy fights' on the biggest stages.

But Hearn, whose promotion guided the British boxing star from his 2016 debut to headlining cards and stuck by him through a series of failed drug tests, has hit out at the fighter.

Speaking to iFL TV after Benn's bombshell announcement, the 46-year-old promoter claimed he was informed of the decision by the boxer's lawyer before being refused a phone call with him.

Benn announced he was joining the promotion led by Dana White late on Friday evening

'Me personally, pretty devastated,' Hearn said of his reaction to the news. 'I have had a few days to digest what might happen. It is not often you get shocked. 

'I blame myself. I forgot it was boxing. I just felt the loyalty that we have shown would never ever put us in this position.'

Hearn added that he 'misjudged the character' of Benn by feeling the 'loyalty' he had shown him 'would be enough to talk it through or get close to a number'.

He continued: 'It feels a little bit of a wasted few years. I gave a lot... I believed him and I backed him and I never gave in when he was done, out. Loaned him hundreds of thousands of pounds, but yeah on we go.'

'I just think the way it was done was very very wrong,' he added. 'But everyone is different. Some people, loyalty really matters, other people maybe not so. 

'The way it played out to receive an email from the lawyer and then to ask for a call and not the willingness to have it, you just lose a bit of your soul to it.'

Benn, whose most recent fight was his rematch victory over Chris Eubank Jr in December, announced his decision late on Friday night and led his social media statements thanking Hearn and Matchroom 'for everything they've done'.

The 29-year-old beat Chris Eubank Jr in a rematch between the fighters last December

But Eubank Jr, who won the first fight last April, launched a scathing attack on his old foe on X.

'So Eddie Hearns (sic) #1 fighter has now left him,' the boxer's post read.

'Eddie stuck by Conor Benn through thick & thin, getting him off of drug charges & giving him money to live when he had nothing. 

'I guess this really shows just how much of a scumbag Hearn actually is… he saves his fighters life & career & Conor still doesn’t want to be involved with him. Or is Benn the scumbag for dumping the man that built him? (thinking emoji).

Hearn admitted that he may have 'misjudged the character' of British welterweight star Benn

'This really is a conundrum. Scumbag on scumbag violence at its finest… don’t say I didn’t tell you guys.'

Benn claimed Zuffa Boxing 'presented me with an opportunity I simply couldn’t refuse' and said he hoped his old promoter could 'continue to be a part of my team'.

'I’m filled with excitement and hunger for what’s ahead with Zuffa Boxing,' Benn's statement continued. 

'I want the legacy fights, the biggest nights, the biggest stages. I fear no man at any weight, and I’m ready to give the fans the fights they’ve been calling for. I’m in my prime, and together we have bold, ambitious plans.'

The announcement came as a major shock in the sport, given Matchroom's decision to stick by Benn when he failed two drug tests in 2022. 

The promotion's continued backing throughout the episode was widely noted, and Benn eventually returned to boxing on home soil in late 2024.

Against that backdrop, Benn's move to Zuffa - founded by UFC chief executive White - appears motivated by both financial and strategic factors.

Benn has long pursued Ryan Garcia and speculation is abound that he could now face him

The deal is understood in boxing circles to be lucrative - reportedly a one-fight agreement worth eight figures - which would leave Benn a free agent again after his promotional debut with Zuffa.

The switch also places Benn at the centre of the new promoter's early ambitions to attract high-profile names and stage blockbuster events. Among the potential targets generating intrigue is American star Ryan Garcia, whom Benn has long pursued.

Garcia's own promotional situation remains uncertain amid conflicting claims involving Golden Boy Promotions and founder Oscar De La Hoya. Garcia has suggested his contract with Golden Boy is due to expire on Sunday, while De La Hoya maintains multiple bouts remain on the agreement.

The public back-and-forth, set against Benn's new deal with Zuffa, has intensified speculation that a Benn-Garcia showdown could materialise as one of the promotion's first marquee matchups if the contractual picture clears.

It is understood Zuffa is planning multiple London events throughout 2026, raising the prospect of Benn and Garcia headlining a blockbuster show after Benn previously claimed the pair could sell out a stadium.

Benn is also expected to be ringside for Garcia's forthcoming contest against Mario Barrios, raising the prospect of a face-off or promotional moment that could further stoke anticipation around a possible transatlantic showdown.

White called Benn's signing a 'huge addition' to his team.

'Conor Benn is an absolute beast and a superstar,' he said in a statement. 

'He shows up every time and destroys people, and now some of the best fighters in the world are calling him out.

'He's ready for a world title next and I can't wait to see him compete in Zuffa Boxing.

'He's going to be a huge addition to a growing stable of very talented boxers.'

- CIARAN FOREMAN

"HE'S FOOD' | SHAKUR STEVENSON CLASHES WITH CONOR BENN AT POST-FIGHT INTERVIEW

 

BILLY JOE SAUNDERS DELIVERS HONEST VERDICT ON CHRISS EUBANK JR'S PERFORMANCE AGAINST CONNOR BENN

Image credit: Matchroom

Billy Joe Saunders has summed up Chris Eubank Jr.‘s performance after he was beaten in his rematch with fierce rival Conor Benn.

Benn put on the best performance of his career to date as he floored Eubank Jr twice in the final moments of their 12-round middleweight bout at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.

Eubank was a shadow of the fighter that he was when he faced Benn for the first time back in April, with many claiming that the 36-year-old had struggled with a number of weight related issues in the lead-up.

Another man that has been at the forefront of a bitter feud with Eubank over the years is two-weight world champion Saunders, who handed his countryman the first defeat of his tenure back in November 2014.

Speaking to Boxing King Media, Saunders have an honest assessment of Eubank’s performance against Benn as he admits he believes their first bout was ‘one too many’ for the 36-year-old.

“There was a little bit of mixed thoughts on it really. I did have a thought of, obviously, Eubank just purely getting old, fatherhood catching up. I think that he was on the decline now for the last couple of years but I just think that 11 stone 6 has pulled it out of him trying to maintain that weight for so long, your body’s going to naturally grow.

“He always keeps in good shape so it’s not really a case of he’s blown up and trying to get back down to the weight, he’s always been in shape and I think it was one too many last fight and I think the last fight took a lot of mileage off.”

It has been suggested that Eubank may now decide to retire from the sport, while Benn is set to target one of the welterweight world champions.

- Kailem Lowe

CHRIS EUBANK JR. VS. CONOR BENN | PUNCHES LANDED

 

CONOR BENN DROPS CHRIS EUBANK JR. TWICE | GETS HIS REVENGE

 

CHRIS EUBANK JR. REACTS TO HIS DEFEAT TO CONOR BENN

 

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CHRIS EUBANK JR VS. CONOR BENN 2 | STATS | COMING IN SEPTEMBER

 

TONY BELLEW REVEALS HIS SCORE FOR CHRIS EUBANK JR VS CONOR BENN:

Image credit: Matchroom

Tony Bellew has voiced his opinion on the Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn result.

The two fighters put their family names on the line when they faced off in front of 65,000 fans at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. The history and build up hyped the fight to such a high level and the action inside the ring didn’t disappoint, with both men unwilling to take a backwards step in a back and forth battle.

Much was made of the weight disparity before the fight, with Benn being a natural 147lbs fighter, whereas Eubank has fought as high as super-middleweight before, but Benn proved his chin could take everything that was being thrown at him.

Throughout the fight it was Eubank who was landing the cleaner shots and according to CompuBox out landed Benn in every round, including an incredible 152 punches in the closing 3.

After 36 enthralling minutes it was Eubank Jr who had his hand raised after all three judges scored it 116-112 in favour of the naturally bigger man.

Speaking on DAZN after the fight, former cruiserweight world champion Bellew praised Eubank for his work rate throughout the contest.

“Chris Eubank Jr has done what not many people thought he could do and go 12 rounds at an unbelievable pace and actually finish the stronger of the two, we didn’t think that was possible from the older man but he done it and you’ve just got to tip your hat to him and say well done.”

Bellew believes the right man won, having the contest even after 10 rounds but gave the last two to Eubank.

“To come up from welterweight and trouble a middleweight like that is unbelievable. Eubank didn’t win that because he’s the bigger man, it helps, but the work rate towards the back end of the fight won him the fight. That fight was close with three rounds to go and I think it was the last two rounds that pulled him clear because I couldn’t split them after ten rounds.”

With a rematch deal already done it’s expected the two will face off again before the end of the year, though Benn may consider dropping back down in weight instead.

- Toby Morgan

REACTION TO CHRIS EUBANK JR 'S WIN OVER CONOR BENN

 

CONOR BENN S FULL POST FIGHT PRESS CONFERENCE

 

INSTANT CLASSIC | CONOR BENN VS. CHRIS EUBANK JR | FIGHT HIGHLIGHTS

 

CHRIS EUBANK JR. AND CONOR BENN FIGHT PURSE AND PRIZE MONEY FOR SHOWDOWN FIGHT

Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn are set to go head-to-head in one of the greatest British boxing matches of the year, and more than just reputation is at stake between the pair of pugilists

Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn will walk away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium having bolstered their bank balance by millions of pounds on Saturday night.

In what is being billed as one of the greatest British boxing fights of a generation, the tension is palpable as the pair of pugilists prepare for their middleweight main event at 'Fatal Fury'. A multi-weight world champion, Eubank Jr holds a record of 34-3 at middleweight and super-middleweight headed into the fight, and an advantage in size and experience may give him the edge as he does battle with his long-time rival.

Welterweight Benn, meanwhile, heads into the bout with a flawless record of 23-0, and will hope to put himself in line for his first shot at a world championship with a statement victory over Eubank Jr. The fight will take place at 160lbs, and a 10lb hydration clause will prevent either man from adding weight between the weigh-ins and fight night in the essence of fairness - given that Benn traditionally fights two weight classes below his opponent.

More than just reputation and records at stake, it is thought that both men will walk away from the bout on Saturday night having benefited financially. It is believed that the total purse for the fight sits at £18million, with a 60/40 split in Eubank Jr's favour.

This means that the son of Chris Eubank Sr will gain £10m for his efforts, win or lose, while Benn will walk away with a cool £8m to his name. It has been a tense state of affairs between the two fighters, who were initially set to face one another back in October 2022 until Benn tested positive for banned substance, clomifene.

As the 28-year-old received a two-year provisional ban, the fight was shelved completely despite Benn insisting that he was not involved in any foul play, and that the substance may have spiked up on account of him eating eggs. Benn was cleared of any wrongdoing last year, and as a result, the fight was re-booked and announced in January.

Face-offs the following month saw tensions boil over completely, as Eubank Jr slapped Benn with an egg before they had to be separated by security - an action that Eubank Jr's father soon after slammed as a "disgrace". Eubank Sr has also been incredibly outspoken on his distaste for the competition taking place at all, given the 13lb difference between his son and a smaller Benn.

Chris Eubank Jr hit Conor Benn with an egg at their face-offs(Image: PA)

He said: "It's against the rules what is happening, 147lbs fighting 160lbs is against the rules. When Kell Brook was made to fight GGG [Gennady Golovkin] it's against the rules. That boy [Brook] had his eye socket smashed. For promoters, it is just a game, but to the warriors, it is a way of life.

"We have to call them what they are, they are trash, they are trashing us. We are not trash, we are the standard bearers... If you are not clever and you are not noble, this [boxing] will kill you, this vocation, what they call sport. If you don't play it right already, Conor, you don't have a career to enjoy."

The Eubanks have a long-standing rivalry with the Benn family given that Eubank Sr met with Benn's father Nigel in the squared-circle twice. Eubank Sr clinched the WBO middleweight title by handing Nigel a ninth-round TKO back in 1990, before the two met once more in a draw in 1993.

But Eubank Sr has also disagreed with media building the bout as a "legacy fight", telling The Sun's No Glove Lost show: "They have built it as a legacy fight. This started in 1990 with me and Nigel. So my son, he smashes an egg on the face of Conor. You want me to be associated with this?

"This is not legacy. That is bringing the game of boxing into disrepute. That would’ve had a disqualifying effect back in my day." He continued: "These two young men are trashing what me and Mr Benn did! They’re trashing it – and the public are following it because ‘Oh, it’s just entertainment’. It’s not just entertainment. Boxing is a standard bearing vocation."

- Aaron Morris

BOXING LEGEND MAKES BRUTAL CONOR BENN PREDICTS - H

Conor Benn is set to fight Chris Eubank Jr this Saturday(Image: GETTY)

With Benn and Eubank Jr set to fight this weekend, many have weighed in on the upcoming clash and one boxing legend has offered his own brutal verdict

Former boxing world champion Carl Froch has weighed in on the clash between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn and insists the latter has 'done nothing.'

Both Eubank Jr and Benn will finally settle their rivalry this weekend as the two British boxing stars are scheduled to go head-to-head at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday night. There is a real animosity between the two fighters - who have been thrust into a family feud after their fathers' famous fights in 1990 and 1993.

Fans have had to wait nearly two-and-a-half years to see both clash in the ring. They were due to fight back in October 2022, but the dust-up was cancelled just a few days before fight night after Benn failed a drugs test. Since their fight was rebooked, many within the combat sports community have offered their verdict on how it'll play out.

Froch and fellow legend Ricky Hatton have been left torn when predicting the winner as the pair can't seem to agree. In a video uploaded to his official YouTube channel, Froch said: “I think that all the variables you look at who has done what, whose the bigger, stronger man, who has the experience at world level. Eubank fought Groves, Saunders, beat Arthur Abraham, James DeGale, a former world champion, he’s fought at a better level and proved at a higher weight he belongs at world level.

“Conor Benn has done nothing. Nothing, Yes he knocked out Chris Algieri who is a former champ and looked good doing it but it was a way past his best Algieri. If I’m going to pick my immediate favourite in this fight, I’m going with Chris Eubank Jr.”

Benn is set to move up from his natural weight class of welterweight to middleweight. That said, Eubank Jr will have a 10lbs rehydration clause on fight night. While Froch is backing Eubank Jr, Hatton is tipping Benn to get the job done in North London this weekend.

“A lot of people are favouring Eubank. I get why they’re doing it," he said on Froch's official YouTube channel. "Let’s have it right, Conor’s not boxed anyone near Chris’ potential, and when you think who Chris has been in with, Billy Joe Saunders, at that level, at his own weight. To jump up two weights and fight Chris, it is a massive ask.

“Chris has to boil down that little bit extra, that will help Conor. Cause I know him personally, I just know the desire, the self-belief, the drive that he has. He will not be denied, like his dad. Chris has been stopped. When the fight with Conor fell through he fought Liam. He’d been boiling himself down and I think that’s why he got knocked out. Which is what he’s doing again, so I’m gonna go with my mate Conor.”

- James Evans

'DISGRACE' - WHY CHRIS EUBANK JAS FALLEN OUT WITH CHRIS EUBANK JR BEFORE CONOR BENN FIGHT

Chris Eubank Snr has labelled his son as a disgrace

Legendary fighter Chris Eubank is not on speaking terms with his son, Chris Eubank Jr, and has vowed he will not be involved in his boxing career

Chris Eubank has labelled his son Chris Eubank Jr a 'disgrace' and vowed never to be in his corner again.

The British boxing icon was instrumental in the early stages of his son's career, but their relationship has soured over time. Eubank Snr has openly criticised his son's forthcoming fight with Conor Benn, 32 years after his notorious two-bout rivalry with Conor's father, Nigel Benn.

He is convinced that the significant physical edge Eubank Jr will have on the night could lead to severe repercussions. Benn is moving up from welterweight to face natural middleweight Eubank Jr at a sold-out Wembley Stadium on April 26.

The bout was initially scheduled for October 2022. Eubank Sr was vocally opposed to that initial fight, which would have taken place almost 29 years to the day after Eubank Sr fought Benn Sr for the second and final time.

But it was abruptly cancelled after Benn tested positive for a prohibited substance, allegations he has since been exonerated of. At a launch press conference in February ahead of the big face-off finally taking place on April 26, Eubank Jr incited a mass brawl by hitting Benn in the face with an egg, reports the Daily Record.

In a fiery interview with YouTube channel Seconds Out, Eubank Snr firmly stated that he wants no part in his son's career. He blasted: "I won't be an accomplice to their stupidity, to their circus. Junior, you are smashing an egg against this guy's face.

"I taught you that? I didn't teach you that. Who taught you that? Did Karron (his mother) teach you that? That's disgraceful. You think I am going to stand in your corner? You must be mad. I would never be in your corner, you are a disgrace.

"You are smashing an egg in someone's face and then you are trying to justify it. There is no justification for that. There is nothing noble about that."

Last October, Eubank Jr had publicly urged his father to put their differences aside ahead of the big Tottenham Hotspur Stadium showdown. He said: "I would love him and the fact that I even have to say that is insane.

"His son is going to fight the son of his arch nemesis (from) all those years ago when he was a world champion. How is it a thing that he may not be there? But it is a thing.

"We don't talk and he has shown no interest in my career for a long period of time now. He has shown no interest in me in a long period of time. For a long time, I tried to act like it was cool... I got sick of that shit. It's b*******. We're not cool.

"For someone who has lost a son (Eubank Jr's son Sebastian tragically died in 2021) I think it's a pretty insane thing to be doing by not speaking to your remaining kids.

"But he is his own man and he is dealing with his situation and all I can do is sit, wait and hope that he comes around at some point. But I can't tell you if that will happen any time soon."

Speaking on on Piers Morgan Uncensored, Eubank Jr explained why he and his dad have become estranged. He said: "It got to a stage where I needed to step out of the shadow completely. It’s a big shadow.

"I realised I have to separate myself from this huge character that’s always next to me... My old man was always next to me. I got to a stage where I decided that I needed to walk my own path.

"He was not happy with that decision. And then you have a situation with my brother passing away. That affected him in a deep way - affected all of us - mental health is a real thing.

"That incident, coupled with the fact that we were already not seeing eye to eye, destroyed a large part of the relationship and it still hasn’t recovered."

- Anthony Evans and Will Schofield

CHRIS EUBANK JR ISSUES VIOLENT THREAT TO CONOR BENN'S DAD NIGEL IN HEATED EXCHANGE

Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn went face-to-face once again on Thursday night ahead of their fight, with Eubank Jr issuing a threat to Benn's father Nigel

Chris Eubank Jr and Nigel Benn clashed (Image: Getty)

Chris Eubank Jr issued a stark warning to Conor Benn's father, Nigel, following a fiery encounter last night. The British boxing stars were once again in close quarters on Thursday, two days after their tumultuous press conference in Manchester.

They are poised to clash in a middleweight bout on April 26 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. Chaos erupted during their initial press conference on Tuesday when Eubank Jr hit his arch-rival with an egg during the face-offs, prompting security to step in and separate the entourages.

Footage later showed Benn Sr quickly approaching and grabbing Eubank Jr by the throat. Security was heightened for last night's press conference at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium due to fears of another altercation. A scheduled face-off on Wednesday had been scrapped over safety worries. Eubank Jr didn't hesitate to reference the scuffle with Nigel before delivering a menacing threat.

"I understand the frustration and the heat you were experiencing after I egged Conor," Eubank Jr remarked. "But you did put your hand around my neck, so I'm going to give you a pass. "But I'm just letting you know, if my hand ever touches you again you won't get it back." In an intense exchange during the press conference, Conor leapt to his father's defence with a fiery outburst, demanding: "Shut your f****** mouth. Oi silly b******s, shut your f****** mouth. Silly b*****s, threaten my dad again see what happens. "

His father Nigel then interjected with an apology, stating: "Listen Con, I can handle this. I'm old school. I'm really sorry I done that but you put your hand on my son." The exchange became even more personal when Conor brought up Eubank Jr's relationship with his own father, retorting: "Your dad doesn't like you, shut your mouth. You're just jealous.

"The altercation had escalated from when Eubank Jr landed an egg on his rival earlier in the week, an act he later admitted he felt no remorse about. Reflecting on the high-tension scenario, Eubank Jr held nothing back, claiming: "I'm sitting up here on a stage with two of the scummiest characters in boxing in my opinion; a drug cheat and a man who did everything in his power to help him get away with it. " He justified throwing the egg by saying: "Me throwing an egg at someone who absurdly claims that's why he failed two drug tests, I think that's light; he deserved the embarrassment.

If I had the opportunity to do it again I would. Unfortunately I came unarmed today, I've been thoroughly searched multiple times, I couldn't sneak anything in. This is going to be a real fight, this is going to be a bloodbath."

- JAMES EVANS

CHRIS EUBANKJR VS. CONOR BENN FIGHT UPDATE