On April 15, 2025, the boxing world is buzzing with anticipation for the highly awaited clash between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn, set for April 26 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. Amid the buildup, former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has expressed his shock at the “brutal” training regime Eubank Jr has undertaken to prepare for this historic showdown.
Chris Eubank Jr’s Grueling Training Routine
Chris Eubank Jr, the IBO middleweight champion, has left the boxing community in awe with his relentless preparation. According to Sky Sports, Eubank Jr has ramped up his training to six hours a day, incorporating high-intensity cardio, strength conditioning, and sparring sessions with heavier opponents to push his limits. A video circulating on X shows Eubank Jr sprinting up hills, lifting heavy weights, and pounding the heavy bag in harsh conditions, including under freezing rain in Manchester.
Anthony Joshua, who has faced some of the toughest fighters in the world, shared his admiration during an interview with DAZN: “I’ve seen him train, and I’ve got to say, it’s absolutely brutal. Eubank Jr is pushing his body to the absolute limit. I’ve never seen someone prepare for a fight with this kind of determination, especially against a dangerous opponent like Conor Benn.”
Eubank Jr has also been working with new trainer Johnathon Banks—previously known for coaching legend Gennady Golovkin—to refine his punching technique and defensive skills. Notably, Eubank Jr has cut down to 160 lbs (around 72.5 kg) to meet the fight’s weight class, a significant challenge as he typically competes in the super-middleweight division. He rejected a rehydration clause proposed by Benn’s team, showing complete confidence in his physical condition.
A Family Feud and the Pressure on Eubank Jr
The Eubank Jr vs. Benn fight isn’t just a battle in the ring—it’s a deeply personal affair rooted in family legacy. The two fighters are the sons of British boxing icons Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn, who famously clashed in two epic bouts in the 1990s. Dubbed Fatal Fury, this fight is a chance for the next generation to carry forward their fathers’ storied rivalry.
However, the road to this matchup has been far from smooth. The fight was originally scheduled for 2022 at The O2 Arena in London but was canceled days before the event when Conor Benn tested positive for the banned substance clomifene. The incident fueled tensions between the two camps, with Eubank Jr openly criticizing Benn. The feud escalated further at a February 2025 press conference in Manchester, where Eubank Jr stunned the audience by smashing an egg on Benn’s face, sparking chaos. The act led to a £100,000 fine from the British Boxing Board of Control, but Eubank Jr remained unapologetic, calling it “justice” for the doping controversy surrounding Benn.
Conor Benn: A Formidable Opponent
Conor Benn, with an undefeated record of 23-0 (14 KOs), is equally determined to make a statement in this fight. Despite having to move up from welterweight to 160 lbs to face Eubank Jr, Benn exudes confidence. In an interview with Pro Boxing Fans, he declared: “I’m going to make Eubank Jr pay a heavy price. He picked the wrong guy to mess with.” Since the 2022 doping scandal, Benn has fought twice, and while he hasn’t displayed the same knockout power as before, he’s shown improvements in technique and mental toughness.
Predictions and the Fight’s Impact
With both fighters preparing meticulously, this bout promises to be one of the biggest British boxing events of 2025. Anthony Joshua offered his take: “It’s going to be a very close fight. Eubank Jr has the experience and durability, but Benn has the speed and hunger of youth. I think it’ll go the distance, maybe all 12 rounds.”
The Eubank Jr vs. Benn fight has captured the attention of fans worldwide and could be a defining moment for both fighters’ careers. A win for Eubank Jr might pave the way for bigger fights, such as a long-rumored showdown with Canelo Alvarez. Meanwhile, Benn needs to prove he’s moved past the doping controversy and can establish himself as a true star in British boxing.
The fight will be broadcast live on DAZN PPV, priced at £21.99 in the UK, $24.99 in the US, and €24.99 in Europe. Fans across the globe are eagerly waiting to see if Eubank Jr’s brutal training will pay off, or if Benn will deliver a stunning upset at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 26.
