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Why do Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn hate each other? A timeline of the pair's blockbuster feud
Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn will seek to write a new chapter in their own family legacies when they square off at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium tonight, live on DAZN PPV.
The pair, the sons of former rivals Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn, will finally have their dance in London this weekend, the better part of three years after they should have.
The duo, once primed for a legacy encounter built on the names of their fathers, have now forged their own explosive relationship outside of the ring in the interim since then.
Now, they will have the opportunity to rubber-stamp their authority on a gripping saga that has been filled with twists and turns since their 2022 date crumbled into controversy.
Here, DAZN News takes you through the timeline of a generational feud, filled with flashpoints and action as its stars prepare for the biggest fight of their lives to date.
August 2022: Born rivals announced for blockbuster bout
After rumours circulated across the summer, both men were announced to meet in October at London's The O2 Arena almost thirty years after their fathers last fought.
GettyImages
Benn promised to "settle family business" after his dad was held to a controversial draw in 1993, while Eubank Jr admitted his world title chances were over if he lost this clash.
Already, the fiery interplay that would come to define their relationship outside of the ring was on show as they set out their stall for a 157lb contest between the pair of them.
October 2022: Adverse finding leaves plans in tatters
Just days before the October 8 fight night however, Benn was prohibited from fighting after an adverse finding result from the British Boxing Board of Control pre-bout.
Despite claims from promoters Matchroom Boxing and Wasserman Boxing that the bout would still take place, it was ultimately cancelled only a matter of hours before.
Benn denied all wrongdoing, but the late drama only served to infuriate Eubank Jr, who posted on social media that he had "escaped his schooling [...] for now."
February 2023: Eubank stunned in knockout loss
Seeking a subsequent bout to fill the gap, Eubank Jr was set for a dance with Liam Smith in Manchester the following February, and entered as favourite to take the victory.
Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Instead, not only did he suffer only the third loss of his career, but he also fell to his first defeat by knockout too, as the former WBO light-middleweight champion stopped him.
At the same time, Benn was cleared by the WBC of any intentional wrongdoing, who suggested "excessive consumption of eggs" as the reason for his adverse findings.
July 2023: Suspension lifted to free Benn for action
Having been charged and suspended for the alleged use of a prohibited substance by the UK Anti-Doping Agency (UKAD), Benn scored a victory on the road to clear his name.
The National Anti-Doping Panel (NADP) ruled that his suspension should be lifted, and cleared the way for him to enter the fray again, at least for the moment.
Appeals from both UKAD and the BBBofC would see his provisional ban reimposed the following May however, in another setback to settling his score with Eubank.
September 2023: Revenge mission served and return to the ring
Back in the ring against Smith once more, a hungrier Eubank entered determined to avenge his unexpected loss - and did so, with a tenth-round knockout to claim his revenge.
In the aftermath, the star called out Benn to rearrange their bout as he gave his post-fight interview, stating to a crowd in Manchester: "I'm coming for you, Connor."
Benn himself ended a lengthy wait to return to the ring the same month too, taking a unanimous decision victory over Rodolfo Orozco in Orlando, Florida.
February 2024: Benn extends unbeaten record amid rumours
Three months before he was barred again amid the ongoing war to clear his name, Benn returned to America for a bout with Peter Dobson in Las Vegas, Nevada.
(Ed Mulholland/Matchroom)
Once again, he took victory by unanimous decision, though it saw the star taken a dozen rounds for the first time in his professional career as he fought his way to victory.
Almost a year-and-a-half after their scotched bout, Benn suggested that Eubank was in fact dodging the fight, calling him "a p—y" and urging him to "sign the contract".
October 2024: Face-off at fight week in Riyadh
Suspended again after UKAD and the BBBofC appealed, Benn was on his way to clearing his reputation yet again when he popped up in the crowd for Eubank's next fight.
The latter defeated Kamil Szeremeta on the undercard of Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol's bout, but two flashpoints further highlighted his bitter bond with his would-be foe.
The pair were involved in a physical altercation after an encounter before the fight, while Benn also stormed the ring following the fight to challenge him once again to a bout.
November 2024: Final clearance sets stage for business
At the start of November, as talk of a bout between the duo continued to intensify after their encounter in Riyadh, Benn saw the final two chapters of his suspension saga play out.
Firstly, an independent panel lifted his suspension once again after it ruled they were "not completely satisfied" he had violated the sport's anti-doping rules after adverse findings.
Then, at the end of the month, UKAD and the BBBofC decided against any further appeal, effectively drawing a two-year saga to a close and paving the way for a full return again.
January 2025: Green light go for stadium showdown
They say absence makes the heart grow fonder - and with demand through the roof to see both men finally settle their differences, a blockbuster was announced in the new year.
Brokered by His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, Eubank Jr and Benn agreed terms for a middleweight bout to be held at London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, April 26.
Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Even then, the deal was not without controversy - the contest would require the latter to move up two divisions, while the former was subjected to a rehydration clause.
February 2025: Scrambled on stage as egg slap hits hard
There was an expectation that there would be fireworks when the two men met in the ring - but it only took the launch press conference for their bout for everything to boil over.
Amid a media event where Benn was kept waiting by a late Eubank, the two traded furious barbs before a face-off that turned into a multi-person brawl on stage in Manchester.
Eubank slapped Benn with an egg - in reference to the WBC ruling almost two years prior - and both men had to be kept firmly apart after an encounter in a lift a few days later.
April 2025: Date with destiny finally arrives
After all that has unfolded over the past two-and-a-half years, it still feels surreal to be only a matter of days away from a defining fight in modern British boxing history.
What started as arguably a bout built to hype up the legacy of two men long since retired from the ring has now become a grudge match firmly established on its own terms.
Now, the time for talk - and eggs - is almost over. Come April 26, two men will step into the ring - and only one of Chris Eubank Jr. or Conor Benn can leave with their arm raised.
Watch three incredible fight nights in one week only on DAZN
Fight fans are in for a treat at the end of April / start of May, with three amazing fight cards within seven days - and DAZN PPV is the only place to watch them all.
- April 26: Chris Eubank Jr. vs Conor Benn
- May 2: Ryan Garcia vs. Rolly Romero; Devin Haney vs Jose Ramirez; Teofimo Lopez vs Arnold Barboza Jr.
- May 3: Canelo Alvarez vs. William Scull
Arch rivals Eubank Jr. and Benn finally go head-to-head to start the exhilarating week, with PPV prices at £19.95 in the UK; $24.99 in the US; €24.99 in Europe.
Garcia vs. Romero and Canelo vs. Scull fight nights follow, which will both be exclusively on DAZN.