Just weeks before one of the most anticipated British boxing showdowns in recent history, a bombshell has dropped: leaked footage from Conor Benn’s training camp in Mallorca shows the undefeated welterweight being knocked out cold during a sparring session as he prepares for his grudge match against Chris Eubank Jr. The video, which surfaced on YouTube on March 22, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, raising questions about Benn’s readiness for the April 26 fight at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. With tensions already sky-high between the two fighters, this leak could have major implications for their upcoming clash.
The Leaked Footage: A Shocking Revelation
The leaked video, titled “LEAKED Conor Benn KNOCKED OUT in SPARRING for Chris Eubank JR- UNSEEN CAMP FOOTAGE,” was uploaded to YouTube on March 22, 2025, and quickly went viral, amassing millions of views within days. The footage shows Benn, who has been training in Mallorca under the guidance of coach Tony Sims, sparring with an unnamed partner. In the clip, Benn, known for his relentless intensity, appears to be holding his own until a devastating right hook catches him off-guard, sending him crashing to the canvas. The 28-year-old remains motionless for several seconds as his team rushes to his side, visibly concerned.
This isn’t the first time sparring footage has caused a stir in the boxing world—previous leaks, such as Rolly Romero’s knockdown by J’Hon Ingram in 2023, have sparked similar debates—but the timing of this incident, just weeks before Benn’s biggest fight to date, makes it particularly significant. Benn (23-0, 14 KOs) has been under intense scrutiny since his failed drug tests in 2022, which postponed an earlier bout with Eubank Jr. scheduled for October of that year. The leaked footage now adds fuel to the fire, with fans and analysts questioning whether Benn is truly prepared to step up two weight divisions to face the seasoned middleweight Eubank Jr. (34-3, 25 KOs).
A Rivalry Steeped in History
The upcoming fight between Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr., billed as Fatal Fury, is set to take place on April 26, 2025, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, more than three decades after their fathers, Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr., clashed in two legendary bouts in the 1990s. The family rivalry has added an extra layer of intensity to this matchup, with both fighters trading barbs and physical altercations in the lead-up. In February 2025, Eubank Jr. slapped Benn with an egg during a press conference in Manchester, a stunt referencing Benn’s 2022 drug test controversy, where the WBC suggested “elevated consumption of eggs” might have caused his positive result for clomifene. The incident led to a £100,000 fine for Eubank Jr. from the British Boxing Board of Control and further escalated tensions, with Benn’s father Nigel grabbing Eubank Jr. by the neck in retaliation.
The fight has been a long time coming. Originally scheduled for October 2022 at The O2 Arena in London, the bout was canceled after Benn’s failed drug tests. After a two-year battle to clear his name, Benn’s suspension was lifted in November 2024 by the National Anti-Doping Panel, which stated it was “not comfortably satisfied” that Benn had committed a doping offense. Since then, Benn has fought twice in the U.S., going the distance in both bouts, while Eubank Jr. has secured stoppage victories over Liam Smith in their 2023 rematch and Kamil Szeremeta in 2024. The April 26 fight, contested at 160 pounds with a 10-pound rehydration clause, marks Benn’s first professional bout at middleweight—a significant challenge given Eubank Jr.’s experience at the weight class.
What the Knockout Means for Benn
The leaked sparring footage has raised serious concerns about Benn’s preparation. Denzel Bentley, a sparring partner who spent two weeks with Benn in Mallorca, previously praised Benn’s intensity, noting in a March 2025 interview with Ring Magazine that Benn’s relentless pressure and body shots could pose problems for Eubank Jr. “Conor is really intense,” Bentley said. “He’s going to press every second of every round. His body shots are really effective.” However, the knockout in sparring suggests potential vulnerabilities, particularly as Benn moves up in weight to face a naturally bigger opponent.
Shawn Porter, a former two-time welterweight world champion who sparred with Benn earlier this year, offered a more optimistic take in a February 2025 interview with talkSPORT Boxing. Porter suggested that the weight gain to 160 pounds wouldn’t hinder Benn, stating, “Conor will be the healthier fighter on fight night. He doesn’t have to drain himself.” Yet, the leaked footage paints a different picture, raising questions about Benn’s durability against a power puncher like Eubank Jr., who has 25 knockouts in his 34 wins. Some fans on social media have speculated that the knockout could be a mental blow for Benn, especially given the high stakes of the fight and the public scrutiny he’s faced since 2022.
Eubank Jr.’s Camp Responds
Eubank Jr., training at Churchill’s Boxing Gym in South London, has yet to comment directly on the leaked footage, but sources close to his camp suggest he sees it as a sign of weakness. “Chris has always believed he’s the better fighter in every department,” a member of Eubank Jr.’s team told Sky Sports in March 2025. “This just confirms what he’s been saying—Benn isn’t ready for this level.” Eubank Jr. has been vocal about his confidence, stating at a press conference in February 2025, “I’m going to beat him because I’m a better fighter in every department.” The leaked footage may further embolden Eubank Jr., who has a history of capitalizing on his opponents’ perceived vulnerabilities, as seen in his rematch knockout of Liam Smith in 2023.
However, not everyone is convinced the sparring incident will impact the fight. Tony Sims, Benn’s trainer, downplayed the knockout in a statement to Boxing Social, saying, “Sparring is sparring. It’s where you test yourself and learn. Conor got caught, but he’s fine and more determined than ever.” Sims emphasized that Benn has been sparring with bigger fighters like Bentley and Craig Richards to prepare for Eubank Jr.’s physicality, suggesting the knockout was a one-off rather than a sign of deeper issues.
The Bigger Picture: A Fight Under Pressure
The leaked footage adds another layer of drama to an already volatile buildup. The Eubank Jr. vs. Benn rivalry has been marked by chaos, from the egg-slapping incident to a tense elevator run-in captured on video in February 2025, where Benn taunted Eubank Jr.’s outfit, and a heated clash on Piers Morgan Uncensored in March 2025, where Benn had to be restrained by security after Eubank Jr. made comments about Nigel Benn. The fight itself is a high-stakes affair, with both fighters looking to cement their legacies. A win for Benn could propel him toward a world title shot, potentially against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, while Eubank Jr. has his sights set on a middleweight title fight against WBA belt-holder Erislandy Lara.
The undercard at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is equally stacked, featuring a trilogy fight between British light-heavyweights Anthony Yarde and Lyndon Arthur, a comeback bout for Liam Smith against undefeated Aaron McKenna, and a clash between former cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith and Brandon Glanton. The event, promoted as part of a Riyadh Season card, has already sold out reserved seating, reflecting the massive public interest in the Eubank Jr. vs. Benn showdown.
What’s Next?
As the April 26 fight date approaches, the leaked sparring footage has shifted the narrative, giving Eubank Jr. a psychological edge while putting additional pressure on Benn to prove his resilience. Some, like Chris Eubank Sr., have even speculated that the fight might not happen, with Eubank Sr. suggesting in a March 2025 interview with The Sun that Benn’s move up in weight could lead to the bout collapsing, potentially paving the way for a fight between Benn and Eubank Jr.’s cousin, Harlem Eubank. However, with both fighters cleared to compete and the event on track, all signs point to a explosive night in London.
For Conor Benn, the leaked footage is a setback, but it’s also an opportunity to silence his doubters. For Chris Eubank Jr., it’s a chance to capitalize on his rival’s perceived weakness and cement his dominance in this storied family rivalry. One thing is certain: when these two step into the ring on April 26, the boxing world will be watching.
