THAT the Benn-Eubank boxing rivalry has titillated the affections of UK fight fans since the early 1990s is an accomplished fact. Today, in 2025, the rivalry has been passed down to the sons, Conor and Chris Jr, between whom the latest instalment unfolds for a second time this weekend at the state of the art Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.

When they met for the first time at the same venue in April, the drama was of the inordinate variety. This peaked when Chris Eubank Sr made his surprise appearance at his son’s side at the last minute, turning what was already an intriguing event — dripping in nostalgia — into a morality play in all but name.

The Eubank’s had been estranged for four years prior, and so to see them publicly and dramatically reunited in advance of battle was almost Shakespearian. In that moment — watching them arriving at the stadium together — the suspension of disbelief had been achieved in the name of a meta-narrative that more than gripped everyone watching.

It was a moment that set the stage for the 12-round back and forth slugfest that ensued in service to the aforementioned nostalgia. No titles were on the line, but then none were needed to provide the contest with the credibility that on sporting merit, it did not and still does not deserve. 

The natural size and weight difference between Eubank Jr and Conor Benn should have negated even the faint murmur of such a fight taking place. Then, too, there was and is the still unresolved matter of Conor Benn having failed two drug tests back in 2022 in the lead-up to the originally planned first fight between them.

But the monied landscape of professional boxing is one in which if it makes money it makes sense, and to hell with rules, regulations, and in the very last analysis any and all semblance of integrity. Eubank Jr in particular almost came a cropper after the first fight, having decided to roll the dice and boil himself down whilst adhering to a punitive rehydration clause — on that ensured he entered the ring in a dangerously weakened physical state. 

The end result was him leaving the ring after being declared victorious to be ferried to hospital in the back of an ambulance, where he spent three days and nights with his father by his side being treated for severe hydration. Jr has since publicly claimed that his ambulance was delayed from departing the stadium for twenty long minutes on the instruction of his nemesis in the shape of Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn, promoter of Conor Benn. Inevitably, this outlandish claim has been met with the threat of legal action unless publicly retracted, to thus add an extra dimension of bitterness to this weekend’s already bitter rematch.

Chris Eubank Jr his trainer, Brian McIntyre (Bomac), of course fully intend and expect the victory won in April be repeated this weekend. But at what potential cost to the health of his fighter? And at what cost to the reputations of all involved if this second roll of the dice when it comes to Jr boiling down to make a weight should come up short.

Even now though reunited as father and son, Eubank Sr continues to argue that this is a fight that should not be taking place, given the risks involved. And when it comes to the potential risks involved in professional boxing, who better qualified to offer an opinion than he?

But regardless here we are again, being invited to suspend disbelief and enjoy the spectacle as it unfolds. Because, yes, the circus that is professional boxing is back in town, with the usual hoopla being served up by the usual suspects who cover these events for various publications, YouTube channels, and all the rest of it. Bank accounts need to be replenished, first class accommodation yet again enjoyed, and ever eager taste buds satiated with fine dining. 

All of the above requires continued access and press credentials, which involves the judicious use of self censorship in order to remain in favour with those calling the boxing shots. Courtiers they are, these denizens of the boxing commentariat, the bought and paid for product of an industry that is currently generating so much money that it can afford anything apart from proper scrutiny.

The result is precisely as intended — omerta when it comes to asking difficult questions of the promotion or pointing out any unsavouriness. Dare do otherwise and you can bet that you, your microphone and/or camera will never be allowed near another big boxing extravaganza again. The game, as they say, is the game.

When it comes to the Benn side of the argument, father Nigel is impossible to dislike. A man whose explosiveness and aggression was uncommon during his own ring career, today he exudes warmth and humility to a degree that is also uncommon. Now living in Australia, he clearly relishes being at his son’s side for these events, while his son clearly relishes him being there.

The Eubanks — father and son — bring unmatched and unmatchable pizazz to any fight week. Impervious to the headwinds of a hostile promotion such as this one, they take pride in being of independent mind and mindedness. It is why the recent BBC documentary about their unique relationship, Like Father Like Son, is so affecting. Currently available to view on iPlayer, it charts the contours and dynamics of their deep respect and love for one another within the context of a sport and business in which everything has its price, even at the expense of value.

Whatever happens in the ring between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn this weekend, the best outcome all round will involve neither fighter having to depart the venue in the back of an ambulance. 

We need, urgently, to return to boxing as a sport and reject its normalisation as a near death experience.