The past met the present on Thursday in London, as Chris Eubank Sr. and Nigel Benn stole the spotlight at the press conference for their sons’ rematch. Decades after their own iconic rivalry captivated British boxing, the two former world champions once again shared the stage but this time trading barbs over a money dispute before sharing a handshake.
Eubank Sr. entered the event alongside his son to the tune of Tina Turner’s “Simply The Best,” echoing his famous ring walk from the 1990s. The British legend accused Benn of spreading false claims that he had been paid to appear at the first Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn fight in April. “If a father takes money, nothing wrong with that,” Eubank Sr. said. “But if there’s a father that doesn’t take money… that is to be studied. So whoever told Nigel that I was paid whatever sum of money, they lied to you. You spouting what they told you makes you a liar. So expose who told you that lie in order to clean your name.”
Watch the official press conference highlights.
Nigel Benn, however, brushed off the remarks, choosing not to reignite old tensions. “Nothing. Water down the back, absolutely nothing,” he replied. “It’s about my son and Chris Jr. I’m not taking it on board. We’re here to talk about a fight.”
When Conor Benn suggested that their fathers face off, Nigel quickly accepted - “Yeah I don’t mind having a face off! All day long mate!”, before adding, “But it’s not about us. It’s about Jr. and Conor.”
The two legends finally stood nose-to-nose once more, decades after their storied duels in 1990 and 1993, which ended in a knockout win for Eubank and a draw in the rematch. This time, however, the meeting ended peacefully with a handshake and while their rivalry remains iconic, the next chapter now belongs to their sons.
Image Credit: BBC