Chris Eubank Jr. has made an emotional appeal for his father to support him in his most important fight yet.
He shared that his father Chris’s disapproval of his forthcoming match against Conor Benn has severely damaged their relationship.
While Nigel Benn, his father’s former rival, is a strong supporter of Conor, Chris Eubank Jr. is struggling to mend the rift with his own father.
Eubank Jr., who was fined £100,000 for throwing an egg at Benn, believes that the tragic death of his brother Sebastian from a heart attack at 29 in 2021 deeply affected his father.
In an exclusive interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored, where tensions between Eubank Jr. and Benn flared up, the 35-year-old boxer explained, “I reached a point where I needed to step out of his enormous shadow. It’s a significant shadow.”
“I realized I have to distance myself from this larger-than-life figure who’s always beside me.”
“His father apparently allowed him more independence, letting him learn by experience. My father was constantly present. I decided it was time for me to forge my own path.”
“He was unhappy with my decision. Then, the passing of my brother occurred.”
“It profoundly impacted him – it affected all of us. Mental health is a serious issue.”
“That event, combined with our existing disagreements, severely damaged our relationship, and it hasn’t recovered yet.”
Chris Eubank Sr., 58, had two legendary fights with Nigel “Dark Destroyer” Benn. He defeated Benn in 1990 to become the WBO middleweight champion, ending Benn’s 22-fight winning streak. Their 1993 rematch ended in a draw.
However, when their sons’ highly anticipated bout was scheduled for 2022, Eubank Sr. vehemently opposed it.
He predicted the fight, for which his son had to drastically cut weight to 159lb, would be cancelled.
His prediction proved accurate when the fight was called off two days prior, due to Conor Benn’s two failed drug tests.
Eubank Sr. still maintains that this rescheduled fight, set for April 26 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, will also be cancelled.
When asked to send a message to his father, Eubank Jr. said, “I’m here. I’m preparing for the biggest fight of my career.”
“If you want to be by my side, like Nigel is with Conor, we can do this together. If not, no hard feelings, I’ll handle it – don’t worry.”
“He’s my father. Even if we don’t speak until my last day, I will always love him. He taught me everything. As far as I know, he doesn’t want this fight to happen.”
The sons’ escalating rivalry intensified last month when Eubank Jr. smashed an egg in Conor Benn’s face, reminding everyone that excessive egg consumption was cited as a reason for a failed drug test.
Benn’s suspension was lifted after UKAD stated that the National Anti-Doping Panel (NADP) was “not comfortably satisfied” that Benn committed a doping violation.
Eubank Jr. also verbally attacked Benn at the press conference in Manchester.
He accused Benn of being indebted to promoter Eddie Hearn due to millions spent on his doping defense, and called him a “dirty little omelette.”
Benn’s most cutting remark was, “Even your own dad doesn’t like you.”
The 28-year-old reiterated this on Morgan’s show, but also expressed hope for reconciliation between father and son before the fight.
Benn stated, “It’s clear your dad doesn’t approve, otherwise he’d be here. But it would be good to see him in your corner.”
“We’re in this position because of our fathers. They set the stage.”
“It would be great to see your dad in your corner and for you to repair that relationship. I mean that sincerely, not sarcastically.”
