The boxing world was thrown into chaos today after British boxing legend Chris Eubank Sr issued a scathing ultimatum, demanding the immediate cancellation of the highly anticipated grudge match between his son, Chris Eubank Jr, and Conor Benn, scheduled for April 26, 2025, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. In a fiery statement released on his official Instagram account at 9:00 AM BST on April 8, 2025, Eubank Sr branded the fight “a dangerous farce” and accused promoters of prioritizing profit over the safety of the fighters, leaving fans, fighters, and organizers reeling from the dramatic intervention.

A Family Feud Reignited

The Eubank Jr vs. Conor Benn fight, billed as Fatal Fury, has been one of the most talked-about events in British boxing, reigniting a historic rivalry that dates back to the 1990s when Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn—Conor’s father—clashed in two iconic battles. The sons were initially set to face off in October 2022 at The O2 Arena, but the bout was canceled at the last minute after Conor Benn tested positive for the banned substance clomifene, leading to a two-year suspension that was lifted in November 2024 by the National Anti-Doping Panel. The rescheduled fight at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, set to take place at 160 pounds with a rehydration clause limiting both fighters to 170 pounds on fight night, has already sold out reserved seating and is expected to draw millions of viewers on Sky Sports Box Office and DAZN PPV.

However, Chris Eubank Sr, a former two-division world champion and one of Britain’s most iconic boxers, has now thrown a wrench into the plans with his explosive demand for cancellation. In his Instagram statement, Eubank Sr wrote, “This fight must be stopped immediately. It’s a dangerous farce that puts my son’s health at risk. The weight cut, the rehydration clause, and the history of this matchup—it’s a recipe for disaster. I will not stand by and watch this happen. Cancel it now!” The post, accompanied by a photo of Eubank Sr and Eubank Jr in the ring together, quickly amassed over 300,000 likes and thousands of comments, igniting a firestorm of debate across the boxing community.

Eubank Sr’s Concerns: Safety Over Legacy

Eubank Sr’s concerns center primarily on the physical toll the fight could take on his son. The rehydration clause, which limits both fighters to 170 pounds on fight night, has been a point of contention since the fight was announced. Eubank Jr, a natural middleweight who typically rehydrates to around 180 pounds after weigh-ins, will be forced to fight at a lower weight than usual, a factor that Eubank Sr believes could compromise his son’s performance and safety. “Chris Jr is not a welterweight,” Eubank Sr told Sky Sports in an exclusive interview on April 8, 2025. “This weight cut is unnatural and dangerous. I’ve seen what happens when fighters are drained—they get hurt. I won’t let that happen to my son.”

Eubank Sr also referenced the controversial history of the matchup, pointing to the 2022 doping scandal involving Conor Benn as a reason for his distrust. “We still don’t know the full truth about what happened in 2022,” he said. “Conor tested positive, and now he’s back like nothing happened? I don’t trust it. This fight should never have been rescheduled.” Eubank Sr’s comments echo concerns he raised in 2022, when he publicly criticized the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) for their handling of the situation, calling for stricter regulations on doping in the sport.

Eubank Jr and Benn Respond

Chris Eubank Jr, who has had a strained relationship with his father in recent years, was quick to respond to the ultimatum during a media day in Brighton on April 8, 2025. Speaking to The Mirror, Eubank Jr dismissed his father’s concerns, insisting that the fight would go ahead as planned. “My dad doesn’t speak for me,” Eubank Jr said, his tone visibly frustrated. “I’m a grown man, and I’ve made my decision. This fight is happening. I’m in the best shape of my life, and I’m not worried about the weight or Conor Benn. I’m ready to shut everyone up on April 26.”

Conor Benn, who has been training in Mallorca for the fight, also fired back at Eubank Sr’s comments in a video posted on his Instagram story at 2:00 PM BST on April 8, 2025. “Chris Eubank Sr needs to stop living in the past,” Benn said, his voice laced with defiance. “This isn’t the 90s, and I’m not my dad. I’ve been cleared, I’ve done my time, and I’m here to fight. If Eubank Jr wants to pull out because his dad says so, that’s on him. But I’ll be at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, ready to go.” Benn’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, echoed his fighter’s sentiment in a statement to Boxing News, saying, “This fight is under contract, and it’s happening. Chris Eubank Sr can say what he wants, but the show goes on.”

Promoters and the BBBofC Weigh In

The promoters of the event, Matchroom Boxing and Wasserman Boxing, issued a joint statement on April 8, 2025, addressing Eubank Sr’s demand. “We understand Mr. Eubank Sr’s concerns as a father, but this fight has been meticulously planned with the safety of both fighters as our top priority,” the statement read. “The rehydration clause was agreed upon by both teams, and all medical protocols have been followed. The event will proceed as scheduled on April 26 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.” The statement also confirmed that ticket sales have exceeded 60,000, with additional standing-room tickets set to be released later this week.

The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) also responded to the controversy, with general secretary Robert Smith telling The Telegraph, “We have reviewed all aspects of this fight, including the weight class, rehydration clause, and medical clearances for both fighters. Everything is in order, and we see no reason to cancel the event. However, we take Mr. Eubank Sr’s concerns seriously and will continue to monitor the situation to ensure the safety of all involved.”

The Boxing Community Reacts

Eubank Sr’s ultimatum has sparked a heated debate within the boxing community, with fans and pundits taking sides on social media. On X, the hashtag #EubankVsBennCancel trended worldwide, amassing over 100,000 mentions by the afternoon of April 8, 2025. Some fans supported Eubank Sr’s stance, with one user writing, “Eubank Sr is right—this fight has too many red flags. The weight cut is dangerous, and Benn’s doping history is still a question mark. Cancel it!” Others, however, accused Eubank Sr of overstepping, with another user commenting, “Eubank Sr needs to let his son fight. This is boxing, not a tea party. If Eubank Jr is okay with the terms, it’s his call.”

Prominent figures in the sport also weighed in. Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, expressed sympathy for Eubank Sr’s position. “As a father, I understand where he’s coming from,” Joshua said. “Boxing is a dangerous sport, and you don’t want to see your child get hurt. But at the end of the day, Eubank Jr is a professional. He knows what he’s signing up for.” Meanwhile, boxing analyst Dan Rafael took a more critical stance on X, writing, “Eubank Sr’s demand is a publicity stunt. He’s been critical of his son’s career for years, and now he’s trying to control it. This fight is too big to cancel.”

A Legacy on the Line

The Eubank Jr vs. Conor Benn fight carries immense significance for both fighters. For Eubank Jr (35-3, 24 KOs), a victory would solidify his status as a top middleweight and potentially set up a world title shot against WBA champion Erislandy Lara. For Benn (23-0, 15 KOs), who is stepping up two weight classes from welterweight, a win would be a career-defining moment, erasing the shadow of his 2022 doping scandal and establishing him as a legitimate contender. The fight also holds emotional weight, as both fighters aim to honor their fathers’ legacies while carving out their own.

Eubank Sr’s intervention, however, has cast a dark cloud over the event. The boxing legend’s history of protective behavior toward his son is well-documented—in 2016, he famously pulled Eubank Jr out of a fight against Gennady Golovkin, citing concerns over the opponent’s power. This latest ultimatum has reignited tensions between father and son, with sources close to Eubank Jr telling The Sun that the 35-year-old fighter is “furious” with his father’s interference. “Chris Jr feels like his dad is trying to sabotage his career,” the source said. “He’s determined to fight Benn, no matter what.”

What Happens Next?

With less than three weeks until fight night, the boxing world is on edge as the fallout from Eubank Sr’s ultimatum continues to unfold. Promoters remain adamant that the event will go ahead, and both Eubank Jr and Benn have reaffirmed their commitment to stepping into the ring on April 26. However, Eubank Sr’s influence cannot be underestimated—his stature in the sport and his history of pulling his son from fights mean that his demand carries significant weight.

As the clock ticks down to Fatal Fury, all eyes will be on the Eubank family to see if this father-son rift will derail one of the biggest fights in British boxing history. Will Eubank Sr succeed in his mission to cancel the bout, or will Eubank Jr and Benn defy the odds and settle their rivalry in the ring? One thing is certain: the drama surrounding this fight has reached fever pitch, and the boxing world is watching with bated breath.