Benn defeats Eubank Jr in rematch; What next for the two fighters?
Conor Benn secured a decisive unanimous decision victory against Chris Eubank Jr in their highly anticipated rematch at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, dominating the 12 rounds. This victory follows their thrilling first fight seven months ago, which recreated the legendary rivalry between their fathers from 35 years ago.
With the rivalry now standing at 1-1, focus immediately shifts to the future paths of both high-profile fighters.
Welterweight Beckons for Conor Benn
Following his revenge victory, Benn reiterated his long-term intention to drop down to the welterweight division and challenge for world titles, two weight classes below his recent middleweight bouts with Eubank Jr.
Benn has already called out several champions and top fighters in the welterweight division:
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Mario Barrios (WBC Welterweight Title)
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Rolando Romero (WBA Welterweight Title)
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Brian Norman Jr (WBO Welterweight Title)
Benn also named other high-profile targets, stating: "I fancy Barrios for the WBC world title. Ryan Garcia, Romero, Devin Haney—all of them can get it." Haney is scheduled to fight Norman next Saturday for the WBO title in Riyadh.
While Benn has also called out UFC fighter Ilia Topuria for a bare-knuckle fight, Topuria's current contract with the UFC would prevent any outside fighting commitments.
Eubank Jr’s World Title Ambitions
Despite floating the idea of retirement earlier in the week, Eubank Jr stated before the fight that he would not be hanging up his gloves after the rematch. He remains highly ranked in the middleweight division and intends to pursue a world title shot.
Eubank's promoter, Ben Shalom, had previously stated that the aim was for Eubank Jr to fight superstar Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez next, though those hopes largely rested on a Eubank victory.
A fight against Alvarez would likely require Eubank Jr to move up a weight class to super-middleweight, the division where Alvarez recently lost his IBF, WBC, and WBO titles to Terence Crawford in September.
Will there be Eubank v Benn 3?
Currently, there are no plans for a trilogy fight between the two rivals, as the initial contract was only for two fights.
Benn was definitive immediately following his victory, stating: "This is the end of the Benn-Eubank saga. Over. Chris has twins coming and I have my boy, but this ends here." He later added, "I think we should just let it lie now. We've done what we had to do – we sold out the stadium twice."
While Benn seems set on moving down in weight and Eubank Jr is eyeing a world title shot at a higher weight, Eubank Jr left the door slightly ajar: "Who knows? It's 1-1. Maybe we will see something new with me and him, or maybe we won't. Right now, it's his night."
