Fatal Fury: Eubank Jr. vs. Benn – A Rivalry Reborn in the Ring

Before stepping into the ring, the “Fatal Fury” grudge match between Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn has already captured the public’s imagination by reviving one of boxing’s great dynastic rivalries. Scheduled for 26 April 2025 at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, this middleweight contest pits IBO champion Eubank Jr. (34–3 with 25 KOs) against the undefeated WBA Continental (Europe) welterweight titlist Benn (23–0 with 14 KOs), with both fighters determined to settle unfinished business born of their fathers’ showdowns in 1990 and 1993. Promoted under the moniker “Fatal Fury” in collaboration with SNK’s upcoming video game City of the Wolves, the event promises high stakes and high drama.

Legacy of a Rivalry

The seeds of this match were sown 35 years ago, when Chris Eubank Sr. and Nigel Benn met twice in epic middleweight battles. In their first encounter on 18 November 1990 at Birmingham’s NEC, Eubank Sr. captured the WBO title via ninth-round TKO over Benn; three years later, they fought to a contentious draw at Old Trafford, cementing one of British boxing’s fiercest grudges.

Rumours of a son-vs-son showdown first emerged in July 2022, and although the fight was initially slated for 8 October 2022 at The O₂ Arena, it was postponed when Benn tested positive for the banned substance clomifene. After regulatory hurdles and licensing disputes—most notably over a ten-pound rehydration clause and rematch provisions—the bout was finally rebooked for spring 2025.

Fighters’ Profiles

Chris Eubank Jr. “Next Gen”

• Record: 34 wins, 3 losses (25 KOs) 

• Age: 35 years (born 18 September 1989) 

• Height & Reach: 5 ft 11 in, 72.5 inches 

• Stance & Titles: Orthodox; current IBO middleweight champion (since October 2024) 

• Notable Wins: Liam Smith (rematch KO, Sep 2023), Kamil Szeremeta (for IBO title, Oct 2024) 

Chris Eubank Jr. combines slick footwork and power-punching, honed under his father’s tutelage and highlighted by 25 KOs in 34 victories .

Conor Benn “The Destroyer”

• Record: 23 wins, 0 losses (14 KOs) 

• Age: 28 years (born 28 September 1996) 

• Height & Reach: 5 ft 8 in, 68 inches 

• Stance & Titles: Orthodox; WBA Continental (Europe) welterweight champion 

• Amateur Pedigree: Painted, decorated, and sparred across Spain and Australia before turning pro in April 2016 

Benn is stepping up two weight classes for his first middleweight challenge, banking on his speed and power to carry him through.

Event Details

• Date & Time: Saturday, 26 April 2025; main event ring walks after 10 p.m. UK time (5 p.m. ET) 

• Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London (capacity ~63,000) 

• Broadcast: DAZN PPV worldwide; Sky Sports Box Office in the UK 

Undercard Highlights

Weight Class	Fighter 1	Fighter 2	Rounds	Notes
Middleweight	Liam Smith	Aaron McKenna	12	Smith looking to rebound
Light Heavyweight	Anthony Yarde	Lyndon Arthur	12	Former title contenders clash
Cruiserweight	Chris Billam-Smith	Brandon Glanton	12	Undefeated prospect’s test
Cruiserweight	Viddal Riley (C)	Cheavon Clarke (C)	10	British title rematch

Negotiations & Controversies

Negotiations dragged on for over six months, with disputes over Benn’s catchweight (10-lb rehydration clause favoring him) and rematch guarantees . The fight’s first cancellation in October 2022 followed Benn’s clomifene positive and a temporary suspension by the BBBofC, although he was eventually cleared to fight again .

Curiosities & Anecdotes

• Egg-throwing Standoff: During a promotional event, Eubank Jr. infamously hurled an egg at Benn, earning a $130,000 fine and adding fuel to their feud.

• Video-Game Tie-In: The fight carries the “Fatal Fury” branding in partnership with SNK’s City of the Wolves, a unique cross-promotion for boxing.

• Dynastic Mirror: Both fighters echo their fathers’ flamboyant styles—Eubank with his showboating and Benn with relentless aggression—making their matchup a true spiritual sequel to the early ’90s classics.

• Weight Class Leap: Benn’s jump from welterweight to middleweight marks one of the biggest weight class ascents in recent British boxing history.

This showdown blends decades-old grudges, modern promotional flair, and two generations’ worth of talent. When they finally meet on 26 April 2025, both Eubank Jr. and Benn will be writing the next chapter of one of boxing’s most enduring family rivalries.