Chris Eubank Jr earned a points victory over his UK rival Conor Benn at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this evening. All three judges scored the fight 116-112 in favour of Eubank Jr, securing his win in a rivalry spanning 35 years, tracing back to their fathers` two previous fights.
Promoters Boxxer later confirmed the winner was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure. The fight was marked by intense animosity throughout fight week, fueled by the initial cancellation and a notorious egg slap by Eubank Jr.
Chris Eubank Sr, Jr`s father, had publicly distanced himself and wasn`t expected to attend. However, the sight of father and son emerging from a lift together before the bout caused a stir on social media.
Early in the fight, Eubank Jr seemed to struggle imposing his natural size advantage against Benn, a welterweight. As the rounds progressed, Eubank Jr`s sharper punches, particularly his left jab, helped create distance. He appeared to tire later, likely due to a difficult weight cut, but battled through a cut above his eye in the ninth round to win. Referee Victor Loughlin managed the action well, keeping the fight flowing.
Improving his professional record to 35-3 (25 KOs), Eubank Jr later confessed he might have underestimated Benn (23-1, 14 KOs) and the relentless pressure the smaller man would apply. At times, the contest was a chaotic affair.
The final round was an electrifying exchange between two fighters determined not to concede defeat. Ultimately, the Eubank legacy continues its winning streak. Despite their efforts, the Benns have yet to secure a victory against either Eubank Junior or Senior.
On the undercard, after sharing two bouts with one apiece, Anthony Yarde and Lyndon Arthur met for a third time. The bout was close and tense. Arthur used his jab effectively early on, but Yarde finished strongly in the second half to win with scores of 115-113 and 116-112 (twice).
Aaron McKenna secured a career-best win, outworking, outlanding, and outboxing Liam Smith over 12 rounds. The young Irish boxer won by scores of 117-109, 118-108, and 119-108.
Viddal Riley claimed the British cruiserweight title by defeating Cheavon Clarke on points. Clarke appeared surprisingly passive throughout, losing with scores of 115-113, 116-112, and 117-111.
Chris Billam-Smith kicked off the main card with a unanimous decision victory against American Brandon Glanton. The judges scored it 116-113 and 116-112 (twice) in favour of the former WBO cruiserweight champion.
