Boxing analysis: Chris Eubank Jr. vs Conor Benn battle exceeded expectations

Like father, like son - Chris Eubank Jr. triumphed in a close but fair all-British grudge match against Conor Benn

In a night that will be remembered for a long time, Chris Eubank Jr. was the man who came out on top.

A glorious evening in North London left little to be desired. The two warriors went toe-to-toe for twelve rounds - spurred on by the ghosts of their fathers' pasts - in a brutally bloody affair.

It was Eubank Jr. who had his hand raised in the end, with all three judges scoring a fair 116-112 for the victor.

Though his triumph was not without adversity, Benn refused to give up and continued to force a fight despite his early lead dwindling away.

Here, Sports News Blitz’s Sam Condy breaks down some key talking points from the highly anticipated fire-fight.

Expectations were exceeded

The showdown was everything a boxing fan could have hoped for: 12 rounds of drama, desire and determination.

It was a messy affair, a small ring stifled any chance for a technical fleet-footed approach to be taken, with the two warriors spending the majority toe-to-toe, and throwing hell for leather.

Benn had the early advantage, with his activity swinging the early rounds in his favour.

However, Eubank bided his time and took control from the fourth round onwards, his experience shining through.

The rounds were close, but the result was fair, with the older of the two looking slightly sharper throughout the majority.

The 12th round will go down as an all-time great. Both men were shattered, and a flurry of blows from Eubank put ‘The Destroyer’ in serious trouble.

However, after taking the punishment that would spell the end for a majority of fighters, Benn fired back, fighting like a man possessed, refusing to admit defeat.

The fight was by no means an exhibition of the sweet science, but that’s not what it was supposed to be.

A messy, gritty affair was what fans had hoped for, and both men certainly delivered.

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Size does matter

There were questions surrounding how the size difference would unfold once the two finally faced off.

Concerns were raised over Eubank’s gaunt figure and how the rehydration clause could hinder his performance.

Equally, Benn’s far smaller frame was touted to cause issues; could he really pack enough of a punch to hurt his far bigger nemesis?

Unfortunately for the younger man, Eubank’s size ultimately proved decisive on Saturday night.

Benn threw everything he had at the 35-year-old, but aside from a couple of wobbles, he never truly looked in any serious trouble.

Credit where credit is due, Benn’s sheer grit and granite-like chin were nothing short of incredible.

Eubank’s punches thudded home time and time again, his size advantage on true display, yet Benn just kept coming forward, trading at will, and keeping the fight close.

True hatred on show

The fight wasn’t without its critics, especially during the build-up.

It was labelled a manufactured rivalry, two men profiting off of their fathers’ names.

At times, it felt that way, it was hard to believe the pair's apparent dislike towards each other. However, in the ring, all was revealed.

This wasn’t simply a cash grab; egos were on the line, and the animosity was almost tangible.

At times, Benn looked hopeless, yet still he soldiered on, the pride of his family name, and the hatred of his adversary refusing to let him quit.

Equally, in the championship rounds, Eubank was balancing on hollow legs, his gas tank was depleted, and the whole world could see it.

However, his refusal to give up ground and gift Benn any advantage culminated in an explosive firefight, with both men throwing caution to the wind until the final bell.

Had this been just another fight for both men, there were times when you could argue they would have quit, but the paternal history hiding here kept them battling on.

There are already calls for a rematch. I think I speak for all boxing fans when I say - yes, please.

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