Eubank Sr. and Benn Reignite Rivalry with Accusations of Payment Ahead of Sons’ Rematch
LONDON – Decades after their own legendary boxing feud, Chris Eubank Sr.and Nigel Benn confronted each other at a press conference Thursday, trading barbs sparked by a claim that Eubank Sr.was paid to participate in April’s promotional event featuring their sons. The exchange occurred days before Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn are set to rematch on Saturday, adding a volatile layer to an already highly anticipated bout.
The original rivalry between Eubank Sr. and Benn captivated British boxing fans in the 1990s, culminating in a knockout victory for Eubank Sr. in 1990 and a controversial draw three years later at Old Trafford. While their sons attempt to settle their score, the elder fighters revisited their history, with the focus shifting to a recent allegation. Eubank Sr. revealed that Benn had accused him of accepting payment to appear at the april event at Tottenham Hotspur stadium, an accusation Eubank Sr. vehemently denied.
“In regard to the love of a son. if a father takes money, nothing wrong with that. But if there’s a father that doesn’t take money … then that is to be studied,” eubank Sr. stated. “So whoever told Nigel that I was paid whatever sum of money they lied to you. you spouting what they told you makes you a liar. so expose who told you that lie in order to clean your name.”
Benn dismissed the accusations as irrelevant, stating, “Nothing. water down the back, absolutely nothing. It’s about my son and Chris jr. I’m not taking it on board. We’re here to talk about a fight.”
Despite the heated exchange, the atmosphere softened slightly when conor Benn suggested a face-off between the two former rivals. Eubank Sr. readily agreed, saying, “Yeah I don’t mind having a face off! All day long mate! I’ll have it all day long with him. But it’s not about us. It’s about Jr. and Conor.”
The two boxing icons ultimately did face off after the conference, concluding the encounter with a handshake, a gesture of respect amidst the lingering tension as their sons prepare to enter the ring.
