Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr are getting ready for a big fight this Saturday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. 60,000 fans will watch these two middleweights continue a rivalry that started with their dads in the 1990s.
But there's more to this fight than just what happens in the ring. The boxers' families are causing a stir outside of it.
Chris Eubank Sr has been openly critical of his son. He thinks the fight won't happen because of rule-breaking. He told Ring Magazine:
"They're breaking the rules. And when you break the rules, we have a country of baboons. This is Great Britain. We developed boxing. So, stick to the rules. Otherwise, what happens to the fighters is what you're seeing here."
Eubank Sr also wasn't happy with how his son acted at the press conference. He said:
"Jr, you're smashing an egg against this guy's face. I didn't teach you that. Who taught you that? Did [your mother] teach you that? Who taught you that? That's disgraceful."
He even refused to be in his son's corner for the fight:
"I'm going to stand in your corner? You must be mad. I'd never be in your corner, you're a disgrace, you're smashing an egg in someone's face, then you're trying to justify that. There's nothing noble about that."
Nigel Benn, Conor's dad, doesn't like seeing this family drama. He said:
"I heard some comments. It really kind of upset [me]. Putting his son down publicly, slagging his son off, I don't think it's right … I wish they'd both get their heads together. At the end of the day, that's your son and that's your father."
Nigel wants the Eubanks to make up. He shared his own experience of fixing things with Conor:
"One thing you've got to understand is my son couldn't stand me. He hated me. That's a strong word but my son didn't like me at all for many years. But I apologised and moved forward. Look where we are today. Flying back for the biggest fight of his life and I'm in his corner 110%."
The fight itself has some challenges. Conor Benn is moving up two weight classes. Chris Eubank Jr has to follow a 10lbs rehydration rule on the morning of the fight. These details worry Chris Eubank Sr.
This fight continues a rivalry from the 1990s. Back then, Nigel Benn lost once to Chris Eubank Sr, and they had one draw. Now, their sons will face off in what promises to be an exciting match, both inside and outside the ring.
