The boxing world is in uproar after Chris Eubank Sr., a British boxing legend, delivered a devastating blow to his own son, Chris Eubank Jr., just weeks before his highly anticipated grudge match against Conor Benn. In a bombshell interview with The Sun on April 6, Eubank Sr. branded his son “ordinary” and predicted that his fight against Benn on April 26 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will “collapse” due to Eubank Jr.’s lack of elite-level talent. The scathing remarks have sent shockwaves through the sport, raising questions about Eubank Jr.’s mental state as he prepares for one of the biggest fights of his career.

A Father’s Harsh Verdict

Chris Eubank Sr., a former middleweight and super-middleweight world champion, has never been one to mince words, but his latest comments about his son have taken their strained relationship to a new low. Speaking to The Sun, Eubank Sr. didn’t hold back, saying, “Junior is ordinary. He’s not a special fighter. He’s got heart, I’ll give him that, but he doesn’t have the skill or the ring IQ to be great. I’ve seen it for years—he’s not on the level of a true champion. This fight with Benn will fall apart because he’s not ready for it.”

The 58-year-old boxing icon, who famously fought Nigel Benn—Conor’s father—in two epic battles in the 1990s, went on to express doubts about his son’s ability to handle the pressure of the upcoming showdown. “Conor Benn is hungry, he’s got fire in his belly,” Eubank Sr. added. “Junior thinks he’s a big shot, but he’s not. He’s been living off my name for too long. I don’t even want to be there to watch him get embarrassed.”

Eubank Sr.’s comments come amid a long history of tension between father and son. In 2022, ahead of the originally scheduled Eubank Jr. vs. Benn fight, Eubank Sr. begged his son to pull out of the bout, citing concerns over the 157-pound catchweight and the risk to his health. Eubank Jr. ignored the advice, but the fight was ultimately canceled after Benn tested positive for the banned substance clomiphene. Since then, Eubank Sr. has been notably absent from his son’s corner, a decision that Eubank Jr. has admitted strained their personal relationship. In an interview with iFL TV in 2025, Eubank Jr. revealed, “Him not being part of my boxing career didn’t go down well. It affected our relationship on a father-and-son level, which it shouldn’t have.”

A Family Feud in the Spotlight

The timing of Eubank Sr.’s remarks couldn’t be worse for Eubank Jr., who is already under immense pressure as he prepares to face Conor Benn in a fight that has been years in the making. The bout, set for April 26 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, marks the latest chapter in a 35-year-old family rivalry that began when Eubank Sr. and Nigel Benn clashed in two legendary fights in 1990 and 1993. Eubank Sr. won the first bout in Birmingham, stopping Benn in the ninth round, while their 1993 rematch at Old Trafford ended in a controversial split draw.

The sons have carried on the rivalry with a personal animosity that has only intensified over the years. Their 2022 fight was derailed by Benn’s failed drug tests, which led to a two-year battle with anti-doping authorities. Benn’s suspension was lifted in November 2024 after the National Anti-Doping Panel stated they were “not comfortably satisfied” that he had committed a doping offense. However, the controversy has lingered, with Eubank Jr. repeatedly referencing the scandal, most notably when he slapped Benn with an egg at a press conference in Manchester in February 2025—a stunt that led to a £100,000 fine from the British Boxing Board of Control, which Eubank Jr. is currently appealing.

Eubank Jr.’s Response: Defiant but Wounded

Eubank Jr. (34-3, 25 KOs), the current IBO middleweight champion, has been training in Brighton for the fight, but sources close to his camp say Eubank Sr.’s comments have hit him hard. “Chris is trying to stay focused, but his dad’s words cut deep,” a source told The Mirror. “He’s always wanted to prove he’s more than just ‘Eubank’s son,’ and now his own father is calling him ordinary. It’s a lot to deal with mentally.”

Despite the emotional blow, Eubank Jr. took to social media to fire back, posting on X: “My dad can say what he wants, but I’ll prove him wrong on April 26. I’m not ordinary—I’m a warrior. Conor Benn will feel that in the ring.” The 35-year-old has been vocal about his determination to win, telling Sky Sports earlier this year, “This fight with Benn will be savage. There’s so much on the line, not just for me but for my family’s legacy.”

Eubank Jr.’s promoter, Ben Shalom, also defended his fighter, calling Eubank Sr.’s comments “unfair and uncalled for.” In a statement to BBC Sport, Shalom said, “Chris Jr. has worked hard to get to this point. He’s beaten top fighters like Liam Smith and Kamil Szeremeta, and he’s ready to show the world what he’s capable of. His father’s words are a distraction, but Chris is a professional—he’ll channel that energy into the fight.”

Conor Benn Seizes the Opportunity

Conor Benn (23-0, 14 KOs), who is stepping up two weight divisions to middleweight for the fight, wasted no time capitalizing on Eubank Sr.’s remarks. Speaking to Vision4Sport, Benn said, “Even his own dad knows he’s not on my level. Eubank Sr. sees what I see—Junior’s ordinary, and I’m coming to destroy him. This isn’t just a fight; it’s personal.” Benn’s father, Nigel, also weighed in, telling Big Fight Weekend, “Conor’s on a mission. I know what my son can do—he’s a better fighter than I ever was. I don’t see this going past four rounds.”

Benn’s confidence is bolstered by his unbeaten record and his recent performances, though he hasn’t scored a stoppage since 2022. The 28-year-old has been training in Mallorca, focusing on carrying his punch power up to middleweight, where Eubank Jr. has a natural size advantage. A rehydration clause in the fight contract, limiting both fighters to 170 pounds on fight day, aims to offset some of Eubank’s edge, but Benn will still face a significant challenge moving up from his usual welterweight class.

A Fight Under Intense Scrutiny

The Eubank Jr. vs. Benn showdown, billed as Fatal Fury, is one of the most highly anticipated fights in British boxing history, with Tottenham Hotspur Stadium already sold out for reserved seating. The event, set to be broadcast live on Sky Sports Box Office and DAZN PPV, has been marred by controversy from the start. In addition to the egg incident, which sparked chaotic scenes and drew a fine for Eubank Jr., the buildup has been filled with fiery press conferences and personal jabs. At a second press conference at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in February 2025, Eubank Jr. addressed Nigel Benn directly, saying, “You did put your hand on my neck. If your hand ever touches me again, you won’t get it back,” prompting a heated response from Conor.

The fight also carries significant stakes for both men. A victory for Eubank Jr. could set up a potential clash with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, while Benn has his sights set on a world title shot against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios. However, a loss could be devastating for either fighter, especially for Eubank Jr., who is already facing criticism from his own father.

Can Eubank Jr. Prove His Father Wrong?

As the April 26 fight date approaches, the pressure on Chris Eubank Jr. has never been higher. With his father publicly doubting his abilities and his rival eager to capitalize on the family drama, Eubank Jr. faces a battle both inside and outside the ring. For Conor Benn, the fight represents a chance to not only settle a personal score but also to prove he can compete at a higher weight class against a seasoned opponent.

The boxing world will be watching closely to see if Eubank Jr. can rise above his father’s harsh words and deliver a performance that silences his doubters—or if Benn will make good on his promise to “destroy” his rival and cement his own legacy. One thing is certain: when these two step into the ring at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the echoes of their fathers’ rivalry will be drowned out by the intensity of their own bitter feud.