November 15, 2024 – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
The boxing world is abuzz once more with the impending rematch between British boxing titans, Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr. Scheduled for November 15 at the iconic Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, this bout is far more than just another fight; it’s a continuation of a storied cross-generational rivalry. Yet, amidst the anticipation, a significant declaration from Benn himself threatens to redefine the narrative: there will be no trilogy.
A Rivalry Reimagined, Not Revisited
In a sport often defined by epic trilogies – think Ali vs. Frazier, Barrera vs. Morales – Benn`s assertion comes as a surprise. Following his unanimous decision loss to Eubank Jr. earlier this year, a 1-1 score would conventionally pave the way for a rubber match, a conclusive third encounter to settle the score once and for all. However, as revealed during a conversation with four-time super-middleweight world champion Carl Froch, Benn has a different trajectory in mind.
“When I spoke to Conor Benn earlier, just briefly, he said that there won’t be a third fight. He said, ‘we are not fighting again, win or lose’.” – Carl Froch
This firm stance suggests a fighter ready to pivot, regardless of the rematch`s outcome. For Benn, avenging his sole professional defeat isn`t merely about balancing the ledger with Eubank Jr.; it`s about clearing the path for his ultimate ambition: a world title shot.
The Tactical Blueprint: Learning from the Cobra
The first encounter saw Eubank Jr., despite facing significant weight-making challenges at 160lbs, secure a decisive victory. Benn, perhaps fueled by the emotional weight of the rivalry, adopted a high-pressure approach that ultimately played into Eubank`s hands. Carl Froch, drawing from his own experience, offered salient advice for the rematch.
“Conor Benn might be able to turn it around and change it, he might be able to box a bit calmly behind the jab, take his time a little bit more and then maybe picks his shots a bit better and not rush or walk into things… Forcing the pace and forcing the pressure against Eubank Jr. doesn’t work, I know that from sparring him.”
Froch`s counsel is a technical masterclass: a calmer, more patient strategy, prioritizing the jab to set up smarter shots rather than relying on brute force. Benn did hurt Eubank Jr. in the third round of their first bout, proving he has the power. The challenge, as Froch highlights, is in capitalizing on such moments with precision, not desperation. This strategic shift could be the key to Benn`s redemption and, crucially, to moving beyond this rivalry.
The Allure of the Trilogy: A Test of Resolve
While Benn`s current resolve is clear, the boxing world is no stranger to the persuasive power of a lucrative third fight. Froch himself acknowledged this reality with a touch of knowing irony:
“If it’s 1-1 you’d expect the trilogy, a third fight. Money might change that, if the old Bunsen burner gets brought into the mix, and it is big money to see the trilogy, then I am sure that he is going to do it.”
Indeed, the financial incentives for a rubber match between two such prominent names would be immense. For now, however, Benn`s focus appears unwavering: “he wants to concentrate on his career now and go after a world title fight.” This suggests a mature perspective, prioritizing legacy and championship ambition over prolonged personal rivalries.
The Road Ahead: World Title Aspirations
Should Benn emerge victorious on November 15, his decision to forgo a trilogy fight positions him directly onto the world stage. The welterweight and super-welterweight divisions are rife with talent and championship opportunities. A decisive win against Eubank Jr. would not only erase the stain of his sole defeat but also establish him as a formidable contender worthy of challenging for boxing`s highest honors.
The rematch, available live on DAZN PPV, therefore carries immense weight. It`s not just about pride or family honor; it`s about charting a definitive course for Conor Benn`s future in the sport. The final bell on November 15 might ring not just for the end of a fight, but for the beginning of a new, championship-focused chapter in his career, leaving the Eubank rivalry firmly in the rearview mirror.
Tristan Blackwood