LONDON - In a gripping showdown that captivated boxing fans, Chris Eubank Jr. not only settled his long-standing rivalry with fellow fighter Conor Benn, but he also continued a legacy that dates back decades within his family. Eubank Jr. emerged victorious on Saturday evening, securing a unanimous decision win with all three judges scoring the bout 116-112 in his favor. This fight not only marked a significant milestone in his career but also paralleled a historic family rivalry in the sport of boxing.

The Eubank legacy against the Benn family is legendary, with Chris Eubank Sr. having previously faced Nigel Benn in two iconic bouts during the 1990s. Eubank Sr. first defeated Nigel by stoppage in 1990 to claim the world middleweight title and later fought to a controversial draw in a highly publicized rematch three years later. Now, with the latest victory, the Eubank family holds a 2-0 record against the Benns, including one draw, solidifying their dominance in this storied rivalry.

Perhaps even more heartwarming for Eubank Jr. was the unexpected reunion with his father, Chris Eubank Sr., amid a tumultuous relationship marked by recent disagreements. Just a week prior to the fight, Chris Jr. expressed his disappointment over comments made by his father, who had labeled him 'a disgrace' for a controversial incident at a press conference where he smashed an egg on Benn. However, in a surprising turn of events, Chris Sr. was present at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, providing Eubank Jr. with much-needed support as he fought for glory.

This reunion appeared to have a significant impact on Eubank Jr., whose performance showcased both resilience and skill. Throughout the fight, he demonstrated his ability to withstand Benn's aggressive tactics while delivering powerful counters of his own. His jab, in particular, proved to be a steady and effective weapon. A standout moment came in Round 4, when Eubank landed a stunning right uppercut that Benn managed to absorb. This was reminiscent of his fathers gritty performance against Nigel Benn, where Eubank Sr. showcased his ability to withstand pressure and ultimately seize control of the fight.

Despite facing a turbulent Round 10, Eubank Jr. rallied in the later stages, exhibiting dominance and determination in the final rounds of the non-title middleweight bout. Conor Benn, 28, who had an impressive record of 23 wins (14 by knockout) prior to this fight, experienced the anguish of his first professional defeat. In the final round, he appeared vulnerable but valiantly resisted Eubank Jr.'s relentless onslaught, showcasing his own grit and determination.

Looking ahead, questions arise about the implications of this victory for Eubank Jr.s career trajectory. At 35 years old and hailing from Brighton, he has yet to claim a full version of any of the four major world titles in boxing. However, his win over Benn is expected to pave the way for a title shot later this year. Currently ranked No. 3 by both the WBC and IBF, he is poised for potential matchups with titleholders Janibek Alimkhanuly and Carlos Adames.

Yet, despite his success, Eubank Jr. has faced weight-making challenges, narrowly missing the 160 pounds limit by just 0.05 pounds before the fight, resulting in a hefty penalty of $500,000 (375,000). He also contended with a rehydration clause that limited him to a max weight of 170 pounds on the day of the fight. These factors suggest that Eubank Jr. may consider moving up to super middleweighta division that presents more significant and financially lucrative opportunities.

One of the most enticing prospects for Eubank Jr. is a potential showdown with boxing superstar Saul Canelo Alvarez, who boasts an impressive record of 62 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws. Canelo, who holds the WBC-WBA-WBO super middleweight titles, is slated to face Cuban fighter William Scull on May 3. Should he emerge victorious, a highly anticipated clash between Canelo and Eubank Jr. could materialize in the future. In fact, plans for such a matchup have already been discussed for as far out as 2026, particularly during Saudi Arabias Riyadh Season event.

On the other hand, Conor Benn, who has expressed a desire to continue fighting at middleweight, may find himself exploring new opportunities in lower weight classes, such as junior middleweight or welterweight, where he could pursue his first world title. He has already called for a bout against Mario Barros, the WBC welterweight champion, signaling that he remains ambitious despite the setback.

This latest chapter in the Eubank-Benn saga serves as a reminder of the rich history and intensity that boxing can offer, with Chris Eubank Jr. now poised at a critical juncture in his career. A potential fight with Canelo could not only elevate his status in the sport but also place him on a path toward achieving the kind of legacy his father established decades ago in the ring.