Chris Eubank Sr Denies Payment Claims in Emotional Rematch Build-Up: Eubank Jr vs Benn II Sparks Fatherly Feud
The Eubank-Benn rivalry reignites with a vengeance as Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn prepare for their middleweight rematch on November 15, 2025, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. But Thursday’s fiery press conference stole the show—not from the fighters, but their legendary fathers. Chris Eubank Sr vehemently denied rumors he was paid £250,000 to reunite with his son for April’s first bout, calling accuser Nigel Benn a “liar” and escalating tensions from the 1990s classics. With £18 million in purses at stake (Eubank Jr £10.8m, Benn £7.2m), this “Unfinished Business” card promises drama beyond the ring.
Key Press Conference Moments
- Eubank Sr’s Denial: “They lied to you—if you spout it, you’re a liar. I speak truth. Here for heart and love.”
- Nigel Benn’s Claim: Told TalkSport Eubank Sr took £250k for April appearance; refused to name source
- Fatherly Face-Off: Eubanks and Benns trade barbs; end in embrace after heated exchange
- Eddie Hearn Stunt: Matchroom boss uses ‘Love Actually’-style cards (“Fake News”) to counter Eubank Jr’s “sabotage” accusations
- Weight Drama: Benn presses rehydration clause; Eubank Jr: “I’m A-side—no sympathy needed”
- Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (70,000 capacity; sold out)
The Spark: Payment Rumors Ignite Fatherly Fire
Rumors swirled weeks before Thursday’s Pelligon Hotel showdown: Did Eubank Sr pocket £250k to end his four-year estrangement and appear ringside in April? Nigel Benn fueled it on TalkSport, claiming “sources” confirmed the payout for the dramatic taxi arrival.
Eubank Sr exploded: “Whoever told Nigel I took money lied. If a father takes it, fine—study if he doesn’t. I’m here for love.”
Pressed by Eubank Sr to name names, Benn dodged: “Focus on my son.” The pair squared up—echoing their 1990 TKO (Eubank Sr win) and 1993 draw—before a tense hug.
Eubank Jr backed his dad: “Bare-faced lies from Conor, Eddie, Nigel. Disrespectful to us both.”
Benn Sr: “Conor’s fitness another level—mindset fixed. 100% victory.”
This feud mirrors April’s chaos: Eubank Jr’s egg slap on Benn (WBC egg-eating drug test nod) led to a £5,000 fine.
April Flashback: Emotional First Fight and Reunion
April 26, 2025: Tottenham, 62,000 fans. Eubank Jr (36, 34-3) edged Benn (29, 23-0) via UD (119-109, 118-110, 117-111)—Benn’s debut loss.
Build-up: Estranged Eubanks reunite—Sr texts day before, arrives backstage elevator (DAZN cameras capture gasps). Sr: “Gave last energy—no support, dangerous fight.”
Post-fight: Eubank Jr hospitalized (dehydration); Sr vigil for 3 days. Jr: “Knew he loves me.”
Purses: £10m Eubank Jr, £8m Benn (60/40 split). Rehydration clause controversy: Eubank Jr 3lbs under limit; Benn accused size advantage.
Benn: “Took his best—didn’t hurt me. Rematch? Calmer, victory mine.”
Saturday Stakes: £18m Purse, Legacy on Line
November 15, 2025: Tottenham again (7pm GMT ringwalks; PPV £24.99 DAZN). 160lbs catchweight; same rehydration terms (10lbs max post-weigh-in Friday).
Eubank Jr: “Better, experienced, dedicated. Won’t beat me twice.”
Benn: “Last at 160lbs—back to welterweight after. Targets? Crawford, Spence.”
Undercard highlights:
- Sunny Edwards vs Denys Berinchyk (IBF lightweight)
- Moses Itauma vs Dan Garber (heavyweight)
- Caroline Dubois vs Magali Rodriguez (WBC interim lightweight)
Odds (Bet365, November 14): Eubank Jr -250 favorite; Benn +200 underdog.
Family angle: Sr confirmed corner; Benn Sr: “No stress—relaxed team.”
Eubank Jr: “Support/protect—that’s Dad.”
Presser Theater: Hearn’s Cards, Security Spat
Pelligon—wedding venue—hosted chaos. Eubank Jr barred Hearn from speaking; promoter countered with ‘Love Actually’ cue cards (“Silent Night” plays) to dodge interruptions.
Eubank Jr accused Matchroom of blocking security head Ivan (14 years service) over autobiography fallout.
Hearn’s “Fake News” card: Laughter erupted.
Benn on weight: “You fought welterweight—terms/conditions. A-side? Fortune for mismatch. No moaning.”
Eubank Jr: “A-side deals with rehydration. No sympathy—begging? Stop.”
Face-off: Tense stares; no eggs.
Hearn: “Playing victim. Focus fight—not sabotage.”
Legacy Echo: 1990s Fathers’ Fury Revived
Eubank Sr vs Benn Sr: 1990 WBO middleweight TKO (Eubank); 1993 draw. No trilogy—health fears.
Now: Sons continue. Eubank Jr (IBO middleweight champ); Benn unbeaten until April.
Benn Sr: “Conor troubled him more—mindset wins rematch.”
Eubank Sr: “Parliamentary procedure” for face-off—tweed suit, Tina Turner walk-on (“The Best”).
BBC film Eubank: Father & Son (November 10): Details reconciliation post-estrangement (2019 Groves loss, 2021 Sebastian death).
Eubank Jr: “Want Dad as friend—cinema, no boxing.”
Verdict: Rivalry Reloaded—Truth, Heart, and Heavy Hands
Thursday’s presser? Pure theater—fathers’ feud overshadowed sons. Eubank Sr’s denial: Heart over cash. Saturday? Redemption for Benn; sweep for Eubanks.
£18m purse, 70,000 fans—legacy-defining. Midlands mates? No—bitter foes.
Eubank Jr: “Dedicated wins.”
Benn: “Take what’s left.”
November 15: Unfinished business settles.
