Ricky Hatton has offered his expert insight into the all-British grudge match between Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn.
This contest between two generational rivals has many people in the sport split down the middle. In one corner is Eubank Jr, the naturally bigger man who has fought as high as super middleweight against established and former world champions such as George Groves, Billy Joe Saunders and James DeGale.
Not only is Eubank more experienced, but has also been busier in the last couple of years, twice fighting Liam Smith, losing once by KO but reversing the result in the rematch, as well as stopping Kamil Szeremeta back in October.
In the opposite corner is Benn, a man who was building some good momentum down at welterweight, knocking out the likes of an ageing Chris Algieri before testing positive for a banned substance before the first scheduled fight with Eubank in October 2022. Since then he has fought twice out in America against low-key opponents and won, but went the distance both times.
Speaking to Pro Boxing Fans, Hatton addressed the weight difference between the two men and said he was backing Benn against the grain.
“It will be interesting to be honest with you. Conor is going up two weight divisions, he’s not fought anyone like the people Eubank Jr has fought at his own weight, let alone two weights above.
“But Conor has huge self belief and drive to be honest with you, like his dad, the Benn family, I’ve never seen a family with more drive and determination so I think everything is pointing at Chris Eubank Jr but I think I might have a sneaky few quid on Conor to be honest with you. His confidence and drive is something I’ve only ever seen in a few people, he’s going to need that, and I think that might be enough against Chris Eubank.”
