Joe Calzaghe has given his insight into the much-anticipated rematch between Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn.
Calzaghe famously shared a ring with Eubank Jr’s father back in 1997 and won a unanimous decision to claim the WBO belt. Jr won by the same method when these two fought back in April after more than two years of real animosity between the generational rivals.
Benn fought well but lacked the power to really make a dent in his opponent, which is something he will be hoping to change the second time around the weekend.
That said, he will still be fighting above his usual weight limit, though he will have gained plenty of experience from the first fight, and is the much younger man.
Speaking to TalkSport, Calzaghe gave his prediction and foresaw a repeat of the first fight.
“I wouldn’t want to put a bet on it. If I had to, I’d always go with the size [Eubank Jr] like I did in the first fight. I think it’s all about how Benn can adapt slightly. I think he tired in the home stretch. He did great to hang in there, but he did catch Eubank earlier on.
“Is he going to be stronger this time? Because he’s had more time in the weight and Eubank’s not getting any younger. I’m intrigued. It’s going to be an interesting fight. Talent-wise I think they’re on the same sort of level but size normally wins fights so I sort of edge with Eubank as he’s the bigger guy naturally.”
Whoever comes out on top will likely be able to go on to big fights in 2026, with Benn having mentioned his intent to hunt down his first world title, while Eubank has always had names like Terence Crawford and Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in his sights.
