Benn Edges Eubank Jr. in Electrifying London Rematch, Evening the Score in Storied Rivalry.

LONDON, England – In a highly anticipated rematch that captivated the boxing world, Conor Benn secured a narrow, hard-fought victory over Chris Eubank Jr. at a sold-out Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday afternoon, settling their intense rivalry at one win apiece. The judges’ scorecards, reading 115-113, 114-114, and 115-113, awarded Benn a majority decision, igniting fervent debate among pundits and fans alike following a twelve-round contest steeped in strategic exchanges and explosive moments.

The atmosphere in North London was electric, fueled by the historical lineage of both fighters and the lingering narrative from their first encounter in April, where Eubank Jr. claimed a unanimous decision. That initial bout had marked the first professional defeat for the previously undefeated Benn, adding an undeniable layer of personal stakes to this eagerly awaited second chapter. Chris Eubank Jr., entering the ring with a professional record of 35-3, having won nine of his last ten fights, sought to firmly establish his dominance. Conor Benn, now standing at 24-1, was determined to erase the memory of his sole career blemish and prove his championship mettle.

From the opening bell, the fight showcased a palpable intensity. Benn, known for his aggressive, high-pressure style, initiated early attacks, aiming to cut off the ring and land his powerful right hand. Eubank Jr., utilizing his superior reach and technical prowess, sought to control the distance with a stiff jab and counter-punching precision. Rounds one through three saw a tactical battle, with Eubank Jr. landing cleaner shots from range, while Benn’s body work appeared to pay dividends, slowing his opponent’s movement subtly.

The middle rounds, four through seven, witnessed the contest ignite into a more sustained exchange of power shots. Benn found increasing success in closing the distance, unleashing combinations that momentarily put Eubank Jr. on the back foot. A particularly impactful right hook from Benn in the fifth round visibly rocked Eubank Jr., who responded with a series of uppercuts in the sixth, demonstrating his resilience and ability to absorb punishment. The crowd roared with every significant connection, amplifying the drama of the ebb and flow. Eubank Jr.’s corner, led by his father and boxing legend Chris Eubank Sr., urged him to maintain his jab and avoid getting drawn into a brawl, a strategy that had served him well in their first meeting. However, Benn’s relentless pressure proved difficult to entirely evade.

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As the fight entered its championship rounds, from eight to twelve, both fighters displayed remarkable fortitude. Eubank Jr. seemed to find a second wind, pushing forward with more conviction and landing several eye-catching combinations. His jab, a consistent weapon throughout his career, became more pronounced, creating openings. However, Benn, refusing to yield, continued to hunt for big shots, and his tenacity ultimately swayed two of the three judges. In the final two rounds, both men emptied their tanks, trading blows in the center of the ring, each believing they were doing enough to secure the victory. The final bell brought a standing ovation, a testament to the competitive and enthralling nature of the contest.

Following the announcement, Benn, visibly emotional, thanked his team and family. "This is for everyone who doubted me," he stated ringside. "I learned so much from the first fight, and I proved tonight that I belong at the very top. This is just the beginning." Eubank Jr., while gracious in defeat, expressed his disagreement with the decision. "I felt I did enough, especially in the later rounds," he commented. "Conor fought a great fight, credit to him, but I’ll be looking for that trilogy. This rivalry isn’t over." The immediate clamor for a rubber match is undeniable, given the evenly split results and the compelling nature of their two encounters.

Undercard Delivers High-Octane Action

Prior to the main event, the undercard delivered a series of compelling bouts, featuring a mix of established talents and rising stars, setting the stage for the evening’s headline act. The action kicked off at 11:45 a.m. ET, drawing an early crowd to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The co-main event saw a thrilling super lightweight clash between Jack Catterall and Ekow Essuman. Catterall, known for his slick southpaw style and formidable defensive skills, entered the ring following his controversial loss to Josh Taylor. Essuman, an undefeated former British champion, presented a formidable challenge. From the outset, Catterall showcased his superior boxing IQ, landing crisp combinations and evading Essuman’s more straightforward attacks. Essuman, however, demonstrated immense grit, constantly pressing forward and occasionally catching Catterall with powerful hooks. The fight went the full twelve rounds, a testament to both fighters’ durability. Catterall’s precision and movement ultimately earned him a unanimous decision victory (118-110, 117-111, 116-112), solidifying his position for another world title shot. His performance was a masterclass in controlled aggression and tactical brilliance, demonstrating he has put the Taylor disappointment firmly behind him.

In a heavyweight showdown, Richard Riakporhe extended his undefeated record by stopping Tommy Welch in the sixth round. Riakporhe, a powerful cruiserweight contender making a foray into the heavyweight division, controlled the fight with his heavy hands and imposing physicality. Welch, a game opponent, absorbed significant punishment but struggled to counter Riakporhe’s relentless pressure. The referee intervened after Riakporhe unleashed a brutal flurry against the ropes, deeming Welch unable to continue. Riakporhe, now 18-0, signaled his intentions to challenge for major titles, regardless of the weight class.

Rising super lightweight prospect Adam Azim delivered a spectacular performance, stopping Kurt Scoby in the third round. Azim, widely regarded as one of British boxing’s brightest talents, showcased his explosive power and lightning-fast hand speed. From the opening bell, Azim dominated, landing punishing jabs and follow-up combinations. A stunning left hook in the third round sent Scoby to the canvas, and while he bravely rose, Azim quickly swarmed him, forcing the referee to halt the contest. Azim, now 12-0 with 9 KOs, reaffirmed his status as a must-watch fighter, with many predicting a rapid ascent to world championship contention.

The early undercard also featured two competitive bouts. Mikie Tallon secured a unanimous decision victory over Fezan Shahid in a spirited four-round super flyweight contest. Tallon’s cleaner work and higher punch output earned him the nod from all three judges. In a middleweight clash, Sam Gilley defeated Ishmael Davis by split decision after eight rounds. It was a fiercely contested affair, with both fighters having moments of success, but Gilley’s consistent aggression and strong finish in the later rounds ultimately swayed two of the judges in his favor.

The comprehensive fight card provided a fitting backdrop to the main event, ensuring a memorable night of boxing that will undoubtedly be discussed for weeks to come, particularly the outcome of the Eubank Jr. vs. Benn rematch and the potential for a decisive third encounter.