Like most British boxing fans, Anthony Joshua was enthralled by the action provided by Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn last month.
The two ‘born rivals’ gave everything in a gruelling twelve-round war at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Benn, the naturally smaller man, started fast and caught Eubank with his best shots. Eubank, a more seasoned fighter with the weight advantage, found a home for combinations and finished the fight extremely strong.
It was Eubank, who was joined by his father Chris Sr on the night at the very last minute, that ran out a unanimous points winner with all three judges scoring it 116-112.
Some in the boxing world feel Benn did enough to win, others believe it was, though competitive, a relatively simple fight to score in favour of his rival. What is not up for debate is that the pair would deliver the same high octane thriller should the do it again, as is contracted.
Two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua spoke to Seconds Out about a rematch. ‘AJ’ – who is no stranger to filling out UK stadiums – was asked if Benn could reverse the result in a return fight, and he said absolutely.
“Yeah. 50/50. Close fight, man. There wasn’t much in it. He definitely can. If he wants it, and I think he does. I think he’s got the bit for it now. Remember, he’d been out the ring for a little while. I think it will be a good rematch. Obviously I’ll watch it, definitely.”
The rematch is looking likely, however Eubank’s side could be looking to renegotiate the pre-agreed terms, most notable the rehydration clause.
