In a shocking and emotional outburst, Nigel Benn, father of Conor Benn and a British boxing icon, has broken his silence following his son’s unanimous decision loss to Chris Eubank Jr. on April 26, 2025, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Nigel stunned the boxing world by calling his own son “a big disgrace,” expressing deep disappointment in Conor’s performance despite the competitive nature of the fight.
Nigel Benn’s Harsh Criticism
Speaking to Sky Sports just two days after the fight, Nigel Benn did not hold back in his assessment of his son’s effort. “This bitch a big disgrace,” Nigel said, his voice heavy with frustration. “I raised Conor to be a warrior, but what I saw in that ring was not the Benn name I know. He had the heart, but he didn’t have the discipline or the smarts to win. It’s a disgrace to our legacy.”
The fight saw Chris Eubank Jr., 35, secure a unanimous decision victory with scores of 116-112 across all three judges, handing Conor Benn, 28, his first professional defeat. The bout was already controversial due to Eubank Jr.’s failure to make the 160-pound middleweight limit on his first attempt, weighing in at 160.05 pounds and incurring a £375,000 fine paid to Conor. A rehydration clause required Eubank Jr. to weigh no more than 170 pounds on fight day, which he made at 169.4 pounds.
A Father’s Disappointment
Nigel’s harsh words appear to stem from his belief that Conor failed to live up to the family’s storied legacy. Despite Conor stepping up two weight classes from welterweight to face Eubank Jr., and showing considerable heart and grit throughout the 12-round battle, Nigel felt his son lacked the tactical acumen needed to win. “He had every chance to prove himself,” Nigel continued. “But he let Eubank Jr. control the fight in the later rounds. That’s not what I taught him. I’m ashamed of what I saw.”
Nigel’s comments mark a stark contrast to the praise Conor has received from many in the boxing community, who noted his valiant effort despite the loss. Analysts like Johnny Nelson had highlighted Conor’s “fearless spirit” and predicted a bright future for him, but Nigel’s scathing critique paints a different picture—one of unmet expectations and familial pressure.
The Fight Recap
The bout itself was a thrilling clash, with both fighters showcasing immense determination. Conor Benn impressed early with his aggression, landing sharp combinations that kept Eubank Jr. on the back foot. However, Eubank Jr.’s experience shone through in the later rounds, as he used his ring IQ to outmaneuver Benn and secure the victory. Despite the loss, Conor’s performance earned him respect from fans and pundits, with many calling for a rematch.
However, Nigel Benn’s focus was on his son’s shortcomings. “He should’ve been smarter,” Nigel said. “Eubank Jr. was there for the taking, but Conor didn’t have the discipline to finish the job. He let our family down.”
Reactions from the Boxing Community
Nigel Benn’s comments have sparked a firestorm of reactions. Some fans on X expressed shock at his harshness, with one user writing, “Nigel calling his own son a ‘disgrace’ is wild. Conor fought his heart out—give him some credit!” Others, however, understood Nigel’s perspective, with another user posting, “Nigel’s a legend, and he expects the same from Conor. Tough love, but maybe it’s what Conor needs to hear.”
Conor Benn has yet to respond publicly to his father’s remarks, but sources close to him say he is “devastated” by the criticism. Eddie Hearn, Conor’s promoter, attempted to diffuse the situation, stating, “Nigel’s emotions are running high. Conor gave everything in that ring, and we’re proud of him. He’ll use this as motivation to come back stronger.”
Eubank Jr.’s Camp Stays Silent
Chris Eubank Jr.’s team has refrained from commenting on Nigel’s outburst, focusing instead on celebrating the victory. Eubank Jr., now 34-3, is reportedly eyeing a world title shot, while Conor, now 23-1, faces the daunting task of rebuilding his confidence after both the loss and his father’s public rebuke.
What’s Next for Conor Benn?
The pressure is now on Conor Benn to prove his father wrong in a potential rematch with Eubank Jr., which fans are already clamoring for. Nigel Benn’s harsh words have added a deeply personal layer to an already intense rivalry, and the boxing world will be watching closely to see how Conor responds. For now, the Benn family legacy hangs in the balance, with Nigel’s disappointment serving as a stark reminder of the high expectations placed on Conor’s shoulders.
