Conor Benn has reflected candidly on his mindset during his first clash with Chris Eubank Jr, admitting he was “consumed by violence” and let emotion dictate his performance. The April fight at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium marked Benn’s return to the ring after a turbulent two-year period following his 2022 drug test controversy — and although it produced fireworks, Benn now concedes it cost him discipline and, ultimately, victory.

“I know I was hurting him because he looked vulnerable in there,” Benn told Sky Sports. “But I never thought in my head: ‘Have I won that round?’ I was so consumed by violence.” The 29-year-old, who suffered his first professional defeat that night, acknowledged he became impatient to secure a knockout and strayed from the strategy he had planned.

“I actually thought I was going to knock him out. I was so close, and I just got greedy,” he admitted. “It’s the lack of discipline. I’m more disappointed in myself for the lack of discipline than anything else.”

Despite feeling he had landed the more damaging punches, Benn accepted the judges’ decision, which favored Eubank Jr after twelve fiercely competitive rounds. “I wouldn’t say it was a robbery,” he said. “It was too close to call. But my lack of discipline gave it away.”

Benn gets his chance at redemption on November 15, once again at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. This time, he insists he will approach the rematch with a clearer head and greater control, aiming to replace emotion with precision and prove he has learned from the chaos that consumed him the first time around.

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Image Credit: Sky Sports