Coming into this contest this past weekend at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium there was some skepticism over the match-up between Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn. Their fathers waged a very uncivil war twice in the 90's. That there was an authentic rivalry. This here was to the most cynical observers a cheap exploitation of that. Well, it should be said that the two sons did their fathers proud.
While it was Eubank Jr. who won via unanimous decision by the scores of 116-112 after 12 pulsating stanzas, Benn certainly didn't shame himself with the effort he gave.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2LJBOwC36w
It was a fight that saw the naturally smaller Benn come out blazing, as he jumped in with overhand rights, trying to chin check a Eubank that seemed physically drained at making the 160 pound weight limit (which also included a morning hydration limit). While he made things uncomfortable for Eubank, what he had in passion, he lacked in consistent precision with his salvos. But it has to be noted, that when Benn did clip Eubank, he shook him more than once.
DAZN
By the middle rounds, the pace settled down and the skills and size of Eubank seemed to control the action more and more. The more seasoned and experienced boxer had stabilized Benn, who would only find sporadic success during this stage of the fight.
But Benn still remained dangerous. He was able to rally and stun Eubank in what was a big 10th round for him. Some will question if Benn is really that stout of a puncher at middleweight, or was it the result of the shaky legs of the result of a tough weight cut for Eubank? Regardless, credit has to be given to Benn for continually trying to find ways to win this contest.
DAZN
The 12th round was a memorable one, as both men tried desperately to finish, Eubank with a flourish, Benn to see the final bell. The passion was palpable. In an era when so many boxers play it safe and take the path of least resistance (both during their careers and in fights) it was refreshing to see two men just empty the bucket. After 36 minutes of battling one another, they had nothing left to give.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIoDWEi33dQ
As of now -- and I realize were not even into May, yet -- but this is probably the early front runner for 'Fight of the Year', and the final stanza will be hard to top for 'Round of the Year' honors. It's rare to see a bout that actually exceeds expectations. They didn't shame the Eubank-Benn legacy, they enhanced it. They may not still not like one another, but they did earn one another's respect (much like their fathers).
“I knew I was capable of that,” Eubank said in the immediate aftermath. “I just needed someone to bring that out of me. And I’m not going to lie — I didn’t expect he’d be the guy to do that. But the fact that our fathers did what they did all those years ago it brings out a different soul and a different spirit into you, and that’s what we both showed here tonight.”
DAZN
Yeah, yeah, I know some of you will say that this was a battle between two B-level boxers. OK, but is the prerequisite to enjoy a fight that it has be contested between pound-for-pound prizefighters? Or does this just apply only for foreign ones?
Tell me, were you not entertained?
HELTER SKELTER WELTERWEIGHTS
So put off any plans for Jaron Ennis, the current WBA and IBF welterweight champion, to unify, or become the undisputed welterweight champion. At least for the immediate future. First, he has to face his WBA mandatory, Shakhram Giyasov, which will probably take place in the late summer in Philadelphia.
Top Rank announced late last week that WBO belt-holder, Brian Norman, will face Jin Sasaki in Japan on June 19th. The assumption is that he will make a good amount of Yen out there (which of course, he'll be taxed on).
Now it's being reported/speculated that WBC titlist, Mario Barrios, will make a summer defense against the 46-year old Manny Pacquiao. Yeah, you read that correctly.
