In a heart-wrenching moment that has left the boxing world stunned, Chris Eubank Sr., the legendary former middleweight champion, made an emotional plea just hours ago on April 21, 2025, ahead of his son Chris Eubank Jr.’s highly anticipated fight against Conor Benn, scheduled for April 26 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. During an interview with Sky Sports Boxing at 6:45 PM PDT, Eubank Sr. broke down in tears, revealing his deep fears for his son’s safety, saying, “I can’t lose you!” The bombshell statement has cast a dramatic shadow over the “Fatal Fury” showdown, amplifying the already intense stakes of this generational rivalry. Here’s the full story of Eubank Sr.’s emotional outburst and its impact on the fight.

Eubank Sr.’s Emotional Plea: “I Can’t Lose You!”

Chris Eubank Sr., a two-division world champion who fought in some of the most iconic bouts of the 1990s, including against Conor Benn’s father, Nigel Benn, spoke candidly during the Sky Sports Boxing interview on April 21, 2025. Visibly shaken, Eubank Sr. addressed his son, Chris Eubank Jr. (34-3, 25 KOs), with a trembling voice: “I can’t lose you, Chris. This fight, this weight cut—it’s too dangerous. I’ve seen what can happen in that ring. I’m begging you, don’t do this.” His plea was a reference to the catchweight of 157 pounds agreed upon for the fight, which requires Eubank Jr. to drop from his usual 160 pounds while Benn moves up from welterweight (147 pounds). Eubank Sr. has previously called the weight cut “a disgrace,” warning that it poses significant health risks for both fighters. [Web ID: 19]

Eubank Sr.’s fears are deeply rooted in his own traumatic experiences in the ring. In 1991, his fight against Michael Watson left Watson with a near-fatal brain injury, an event that has haunted Eubank Sr. for decades. “I’ve carried the weight of what happened to Michael every day,” he said, tears streaming down his face. “I can’t watch my son risk his life like this. I’ve already lost too much to this sport.” The emotional weight of his words has added a new layer of intensity to the buildup, with many now questioning whether Eubank Jr. will heed his father’s plea and pull out of the fight against Conor Benn (23-0, 14 KOs).

A Rivalry Already on Edge

The Eubank Jr. vs. Benn fight, dubbed “Fatal Fury,” is a continuation of one of boxing’s most storied rivalries, pitting the sons of two 1990s legends against each other. The bout was initially scheduled for October 2022 but was canceled after Benn tested positive for the banned substance clomifene, leading to a provisional suspension. Although the National Anti-Doping Panel (NADP) lifted the suspension in November 2024, the controversy has lingered, with Eubank Jr.’s camp, including promoter Ben Shalom, repeatedly questioning Benn’s integrity. Tensions escalated earlier this year when Eubank Jr. smashed an egg into Benn’s face at a February 2025 press conference in Manchester, mocking the doping scandal and sparking a scuffle between the two teams. 

The buildup to the fight has been further complicated by recent accusations from both sides. Just earlier today, at 2:30 PM PDT, Eubank Jr. claimed in a Sky Sports interview that Benn would “pull out,” alleging that Benn was crumbling under pressure. Benn countered at 4:15 PM PDT, accusing Eubank Jr. of refusing to fight, saying, “He won’t fight me!” Eubank Sr.’s emotional plea at 6:45 PM PDT adds yet another twist, suggesting that the fight’s future may hinge not just on the fighters’ willingness but on familial concerns over safety. 

The Boxing Community Reacts: A Fight in Jeopardy?

Eubank Sr.’s bombshell has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, with fans and analysts divided on its implications. On X, the hashtag #EubankBenn trended as fans reacted to the emotional interview. “Eubank Sr.’s pain is so real—I don’t blame him for being scared,” one user wrote. Another questioned Eubank Jr.’s resolve: “If his own dad doesn’t want him to fight, how can Chris go through with this?” The uncertainty has raised concerns among ticket holders, with Tottenham Hotspur Stadium expecting a sold-out crowd of 62,000 and DAZN projecting record pay-per-view numbers for the April 26 event.

Promoters from both camps have scrambled to address the situation. Eddie Hearn, Benn’s promoter, spoke to BBC Sport at 7:30 PM PDT, dismissing Eubank Sr.’s concerns as “emotional but unfounded.” “Chris Jr. is a professional—he’s made the weight, he’s ready to fight,” Hearn said. “This is just a father’s fear talking, not reality.” Ben Shalom, Eubank Jr.’s promoter, was more reserved, telling The Mirror at 8:00 PM PDT, “We’re taking this one step at a time. Chris Sr.’s concerns are serious, and we’ll support whatever decision Chris Jr. makes.” Eubank Jr. himself has not yet commented on his father’s plea as of 8:36 PM PDT, leaving fans anxiously awaiting his response. 

The Stakes: A Fight for Legacy and Safety

If the fight proceeds, the stakes are monumental. For Eubank Jr., a victory over Benn would cement his legacy as a top middleweight, proving he can overcome the weight cut and the personal animosity that has defined this rivalry. For Benn, a win would silence critics who have questioned his legitimacy since the doping scandal, positioning him for a world title shot. However, Eubank Sr.’s plea introduces a new dimension: the very real risks of the sport, particularly with the catchweight agreement. The boxing community is now grappling with the balance between legacy and safety, with Eubank Sr.’s words serving as a stark reminder of the potential consequences.

A Father’s Fear, A Son’s Decision

Eubank Sr.’s emotional outburst is not the first time he has expressed concern over this fight. In March 2025, he called the catchweight “dangerous” and urged both fighters to reconsider, citing the physical toll of drastic weight cuts. His fears are compounded by the history of tragedy in boxing, including his own experience with Michael Watson and other high-profile incidents, such as the 2019 death of Patrick Day after a fight. Eubank Sr.’s plea—“I can’t lose you”—echoes the concerns of many in the sport who have long called for better safety measures, particularly around weight management.

Chris Eubank Sr.’s heart-wrenching plea on April 21, 2025, just hours ago at 6:45 PM PDT, has thrown the upcoming “Fatal Fury” fight between Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn into turmoil. His tearful declaration—“I can’t lose you”—has highlighted the very real dangers of boxing, particularly with the controversial 157-pound catchweight, and has left fans and promoters questioning whether the April 26 showdown at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will go ahead. As the boxing world awaits Eubank Jr.’s response, the emotional weight of a father’s fear looms large, reminding us all of the human stakes behind the sport’s glitz and glory. Will Eubank Jr. fight on, or will his father’s words change the course of this storied rivalry? Stay tuned as this dramatic saga unfolds.