Here is why Chris Eubank Jr. could be seen as the FAVOURITE v Connor Benn

Chris Eubank Jr. has emerged as the early favourite ahead of his highly anticipated clash with Conor Benn. Scheduled for April 2025 in London, the bout will take place at middleweight, with a 170lbs rehydration clause in place. The bookmakers have already weighed in, making Eubank Jr. the slight favourite at odds of 4/5, while a Benn victory is priced at evens (EVS).

The build-up to this fight has been anything but smooth. Initially scheduled for October 2022, their first encounter was derailed following Benn’s failed voluntary drug tests for the banned substance clomifene. The fallout from the doping scandal was monumental. Benn’s suspension, the revocation of his British boxing licence, and the protracted legal battle that followed cast a long shadow over his career. While the National Anti-Doping Panel briefly lifted his suspension in mid-2023, an appeal by the British Boxing Board of Control and UK Anti-Doping reinstated the ban, delaying Benn’s return to the ring.

Despite the setbacks, Benn and Eubank Jr’s rivalry has remained white-hot. Throughout 2024, their ongoing negotiations were punctuated by fiery exchanges both online and in person. One particularly heated moment occurred during an altercation in Saudi Arabia, where Benn pushed Eubank Jr in a confrontation that was as much about ego as it was unfinished business. Social media has only added fuel to the fire. Benn’s direct tweets to Eubank Jr have taunted his rival, keeping fans on edge and ensuring the build-up to their fight remains unmissable.

While the two fighters prepare to step into the ring, the scales appear to tip slightly in Eubank Jr’s favour both on the betting cards and in discussion. His victories over tough opponents such as Liam Smith and James DeGale are testament to his pedigree and skill. More importantly, Benn’s prolonged absence from competitive boxing could leave him vulnerable to what many are calling “ring rust.” Eubank Jr’s confidence has been evident throughout the back-and-forth exchanges, often dismissing Benn’s threats with a mix of disdain and humour.

However, Benn’s supporters argue that the 27-year-old remains a force to be reckoned with. Videos of his intense training sessions (see below) have showcased his explosive power and hand speed, reminding fans of the qualities that once made him one of the brightest prospects in British boxing. For Benn, this fight represents more than just redemption; it’s an opportunity to reclaim his place in the sport and distance himself from the controversies that have overshadowed his career.

The rivalry between the two fighters is more than personal; it’s a continuation of the epic clashes between their fathers, Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr, whose battles in the 1990s captivated the nation. Those encounters were defined by a deep mutual dislike and contrasting styles, with both men leaving everything in the ring. Now, their sons carry the weight of that legacy, and the pressure to not only settle their own scores but also honour the history of their families.

The fight announcement has already generated massive excitement, with promoters hinting at a major UK venue for the event, with the Tottenham Hotspur stadium being mentioned as a potential venue. Beyond the fight itself, the build-up promises fireworks, with press conferences likely to feature the same intensity and verbal sparring that has defined their interactions so far.

This is more than just a grudge match; it’s a defining moment for both fighters. For Eubank Jr, victory would cement his status as one of Britain’s top middleweights and affirm his dominance over a bitter rival. For Benn, it’s a chance at redemption and an opportunity to rewrite the narrative of his career. As the date approaches, one thing is certain: the clash between Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr will be one of the most anticipated events in British boxing this year, fuelled by legacy, rivalry, and the unrelenting desire to come out on top.