Tony Bellew has voiced his opinion on the Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn result.
The two fighters put their family names on the line when they faced off in front of 65,000 fans at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. The history and build up hyped the fight to such a high level and the action inside the ring didn’t disappoint, with both men unwilling to take a backwards step in a back and forth battle.
Much was made of the weight disparity before the fight, with Benn being a natural 147lbs fighter, whereas Eubank has fought as high as super-middleweight before, but Benn proved his chin could take everything that was being thrown at him.
Throughout the fight it was Eubank who was landing the cleaner shots and according to CompuBox out landed Benn in every round, including an incredible 152 punches in the closing 3.
After 36 enthralling minutes it was Eubank Jr who had his hand raised after all three judges scored it 116-112 in favour of the naturally bigger man.
Speaking on DAZN after the fight, former cruiserweight world champion Bellew praised Eubank for his work rate throughout the contest.
“Chris Eubank Jr has done what not many people thought he could do and go 12 rounds at an unbelievable pace and actually finish the stronger of the two, we didn’t think that was possible from the older man but he done it and you’ve just got to tip your hat to him and say well done.”
Bellew believes the right man won, having the contest even after 10 rounds but gave the last two to Eubank.
“To come up from welterweight and trouble a middleweight like that is unbelievable. Eubank didn’t win that because he’s the bigger man, it helps, but the work rate towards the back end of the fight won him the fight. That fight was close with three rounds to go and I think it was the last two rounds that pulled him clear because I couldn’t split them after ten rounds.”
With a rematch deal already done it’s expected the two will face off again before the end of the year, though Benn may consider dropping back down in weight instead.
