In a night that defied all expectations, Conor Benn pulled off a shocking upset against Chris Eubank Jr on April 26, 2025, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. The grudge match, steeped in a 35-year family rivalry, ended with a dramatic finish that left the 60,000 fans in attendance and the boxing world reeling. Despite Eubank Jr being the favorite, Benn’s ferocity and determination proved too much, culminating in a victory that rewrote the narrative of this storied feud. Here’s how the fight unfolded, live from the electrified arena.
The Buildup: A Clash of Legacies
The Eubank-Benn rivalry, rooted in the legendary 1990s battles between Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn, reached a boiling point tonight. The fight, originally scheduled for October 2022, was canceled after Benn tested positive for clomiphene, a banned substance, sparking a two-year legal battle that ended with his suspension being lifted in November 2024. The buildup to the rescheduled bout was chaotic, marked by Eubank Jr’s egg-slapping stunt in February 2025, which cost him a £100,000 fine, and Nigel Benn’s heated outburst on April 25, yelling at Eubank Sr. With both fighters carrying the weight of their family names, the stakes were monumental.
Round 1: A Ferocious Start
The opening bell rang at 9:00 PM PDT, and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium erupted as Benn, with a record of 23-0 (14 KOs), came out swinging. Moving up from welterweight to middleweight, Benn showed no signs of being undersized, landing a flurry of hooks that caught Eubank Jr off guard. Eubank Jr, at 34-3 (25 KOs), tried to establish his jab, relying on the precision he’s known for, but Benn’s aggression set the tone. A sharp left hook from Benn drew a gasp from the crowd, signaling his intent to dominate early.
Round 3: Benn’s Relentless Pressure
By Round 3, Benn’s game plan became clear: overwhelm Eubank Jr with sheer ferocity. He backed Eubank Jr into the ropes, unloading a barrage of punches that echoed his pre-fight promise of a “one-sided beatdown.” Eubank Jr, known for his durability, absorbed the punishment but struggled to find his rhythm. A vicious uppercut from Benn rocked Eubank Jr, and the crowd surged to its feet, sensing an upset brewing. Despite landing a few counters, Eubank Jr couldn’t match Benn’s intensity, and the momentum firmly shifted.
Round 5: The Turning Point
Round 5 saw Benn’s preparation in Mallorca pay off. Having sparred with top-tier fighters like William Scull and Bruno Surace, Benn looked sharper than ever. He caught Eubank Jr with a devastating left hook to the body, followed by a right cross that staggered the IBO middleweight champion. Eubank Jr, who missed weight at the official weigh-in on April 25 (coming in at 160.05 lbs, just over the 160-lb limit), appeared sluggish, possibly feeling the effects of his grueling weight cut. The financial penalty of £375,000 he paid to Benn for missing weight seemed to pale in comparison to the punishment he was taking in the ring.
Round 6: Benn’s Stunning Victory
The decisive moment came at 9:38 PM PDT in Round 6. Benn, fueled by a chip on his shoulder to prove he’s more than a “nepo kid,” unleashed a ferocious combination—a left hook followed by a thunderous right uppercut—that sent Eubank Jr crashing to the canvas. The referee waved off the fight as Eubank Jr struggled to rise, his legs betraying him. The arena exploded in a mix of cheers and disbelief as Benn climbed the ropes, raising his fists in triumph. Medical staff attended to Eubank Jr, who remained down for several moments, while Benn’s team, including his father Nigel, celebrated wildly.
Post-Fight Reactions: Benn’s Redemption, Eubank Jr’s Defeat
At 10:00 PM PDT, Benn, now 24-0 (15 KOs), spoke in the ring, his voice hoarse with emotion. “I told you I’d do it! This is for my family, for my name—I’m no cheat, I’m a fighter!” he roared, addressing the lingering skepticism over his 2022 doping scandal. Eddie Hearn, Benn’s promoter, who had predicted a win within six rounds, beamed with pride, saying, “Conor proved he’s the real deal tonight.” Meanwhile, Eubank Jr, now 34-4, was gracious in defeat despite the loss. “He was the better man tonight,” Eubank Jr said, though the sting of the upset was clear. Some fans on X expressed outrage, with posts calling Benn a “drugs cheat” and questioning the legitimacy of his victory, reflecting the divided sentiment surrounding his comeback.
The Fallout: A New Chapter in the Rivalry
Benn’s victory has turned the boxing world upside down. The WBC’s promise of a shot at Saul “Canelo” Alvarez for the winner now looms large for Benn, who at 28 years old has reignited his career with this monumental win. For Eubank Jr, the loss is a bitter blow, especially after being favored by bookmakers and analysts. The defeat raises questions about his future, with some speculating whether the weight cut and the pressure of the family legacy took a toll. On X, #EubankVsBenn trended worldwide, with fans debating whether Benn’s win was a fluke or the start of a new era in British boxing.
Conclusion
The April 26, 2025, fight at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium delivered a seismic upset as Conor Benn defied the odds to defeat Chris Eubank Jr in Round 6. With a performance that showcased his ferocity, heart, and skill, Benn not only avenged his family’s legacy but also silenced his critics—at least for now. For Eubank Jr, the loss marks a significant setback in a career that had been on the cusp of greatness. As the dust settles on this historic night, the boxing world is left to ponder what’s next for both fighters in a rivalry that continues to captivate. Share your thoughts in the comments below—did Benn’s victory surprise you, or did you see this upset coming?