With less than two weeks until the highly anticipated showdown between Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 26, boxing experts are sounding the alarm: Conor Benn needs to get into peak physical condition—and fast—if he hopes to stand a chance against the naturally larger and more experienced Eubank Jr. The warning comes amid concerns over Benn’s readiness for the biggest fight of his career, as the 28-year-old prepares to move up two weight divisions to face Eubank Jr at 160 pounds.
The clash, set to be broadcast live on Sky Sports Box Office, is one of the most significant all-British boxing matches in recent history, reigniting a storied rivalry that began with their fathers, Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr, in the 1990s. However, experts are increasingly worried that Benn, who has fought primarily at welterweight (147 pounds), may be at a severe disadvantage against the bigger, stronger Eubank Jr, who has been a mainstay at middleweight and even super-middleweight throughout his career
Roy Jones Jr, a former world champion and ex-trainer of Eubank Jr, recently shared his blunt assessment of Benn’s chances on a boxing podcast. “Conor has to take a page out of his dad’s book. The only way he’s gonna beat Eubank is if he’s flat on his back. I can’t move and stay away from him cause he’s the bigger guy. I have to stop him,” Jones said, emphasizing that Benn must focus on delivering a knockout blow to overcome the size difference. Jones’ comments highlight the uphill battle Benn faces, as Eubank Jr’s durability and experience against top-tier opponents give him a clear edge.
Adding to the concerns, Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn, who represents Benn, recently revealed that Benn has been training harder than ever. “I’ve never seen Conor train like this. He’s in the most incredible shape,” Hearn said in a recent interview. However, Hearn also acknowledged the challenge ahead, noting that while many give a slight edge to Eubank Jr due to his size, those close to Benn believe he has the power to stop him. Despite Hearn’s optimism, some experts remain skeptical about whether Benn’s preparation will be enough to close the gap.
Liam Smith, the only man to knock out Eubank Jr, also weighed in on the matchup, questioning Eubank Jr’s knockout power but warning Benn not to underestimate his resilience. In a recent interview, Smith said, “Eubank holds a stoppage win over me, and that eats away at me ‘cause I don’t think he’s good enough and I don’t think he punches hard enough to stop me.” Smith’s comments suggest that Benn will need to be in top form to exploit any weaknesses in Eubank Jr’s game, especially given the latter’s ability to weather storms and outlast opponents.
The stakes couldn’t be higher for Benn, who is coming off a two-year hiatus following a controversial failed drug test in 2022 that derailed the original Eubank Jr fight. Since returning, Benn has fought twice in the US, securing points victories at super-welterweight (154 pounds). Now, stepping up to 160 pounds to face Eubank Jr—who is coming off consecutive stoppage wins—Benn faces a monumental challenge.
Boxing analyst Matthew Macklin recently urged Benn to sharpen his conditioning in the final weeks. “Conor needs to be in the best shape of his life. Eubank Jr is naturally bigger, and he’s been in with tougher opposition. If Benn isn’t at 100%, he’s going to get overwhelmed,” Macklin warned. The sentiment is echoed across the boxing community, with fans on X expressing mixed opinions. One user wrote, “Conor Benn better be ready—Eubank Jr is no joke at 160. This could be a rough night for him if he’s not in top shape.” Another countered, “Benn’s got that fire in him. If he’s as fit as Hearn says, he might surprise everyone.”
The buildup to the fight has been nothing short of chaotic, with tensions boiling over at press conferences. Eubank Jr famously slapped Benn with an egg—a reference to Benn’s bizarre excuse for his failed drug test in 2022—leading to a £100,000 fine from the British Boxing Board of Control. Benn, in turn, has brought Eubank Jr’s strained relationship with his father, Chris Eubank Sr, into the feud, urging him to reconcile before the fight. The bad blood has only heightened the anticipation, with over 60,000 tickets already sold for the event at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
As the clock ticks down to April 26, all eyes are on Conor Benn to see if he can rise to the occasion. Will “The Destroyer” heed the warnings and shape up in time to take down Eubank Jr, or will the size and experience of Eubank Jr prove too much? The boxing world is holding its breath for what promises to be an explosive night in London. What do you think—can Benn pull off the upset? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
