Professional boxer Conor Benn has disclosed disturbing experiences from his youth at a religious institution in Mallorca, where educators were convinced the then twelve-year-old harboured demonic spirits.
The 29-year-old pugilist shared these revelations with the BBC ahead of his anticipated bout against Chris Eubank Jr this Saturday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
During his childhood on the Spanish island, where his family had relocated following his father's boxing triumphs, young Benn attended a private fundamentalist Christian institution.
"They believed I had demons in me as a kid, the school," Benn told the BBC, describing the distressing period that would profoundly impact his familial relationships for years to come.
Conor Benn admitted he was left traumatised after an incident during his childhood
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The institution's staff attributed his inability to remain seated and his energetic nature to supernatural possession.
"For me that was really hard to try and understand because I look at my son and I go, 'How could anyone think that there's anything wrong with you because you may be a little bit energetic, because you can't sit still in class?'" Benn reflected.
This traumatic period left the youngster waking each day terrified about the potential arrival of the anti-Christ.
"Looking back - because I don't often reflect on it - you think it's pretty evil," he stated.
The religious leaders held considerable sway over his parents' thinking, making it nearly impossible for young Benn to discuss his distress with them.
Chris Eubank Jr beat Conor Benn via a unanimous decision in April | PAThese circumstances severely fractured his bond with his father Nigel, the former two-weight world champion who had embraced evangelical Christianity following personal turmoil after retiring from boxing.
The elder Benn had concluded his career in November 1996 following consecutive defeats to Steve Collins.
His post-boxing years were marked by considerable personal challenges, including struggles with sexual compulsion and an attempt to end his own life.
As his parents immersed themselves deeper into their religious community, the gulf between father and son widened.
The pastoral influence that prevented young Conor from voicing his distress continued to strain their relationship throughout his adolescence.
Following difficulties in Australia at age eighteen, Benn sought his father's assistance, initiating a gradual restoration of their bond.
His wedding eight years ago marked a turning point. Recognising the need to address his psychological scars, he pursued professional counselling.
The healing process involved numerous emotional exchanges with his father. "A lot of tears" accompanied their frank discussions, Benn revealed to the BBC.
Today, their relationship stands transformed. The boxer now describes Nigel as his "hero" who was "always my hero."
Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn will finally fight tonight | PADespite his traumatic experiences, Benn maintains strong faith, dedicating time to daily prayer. "I'm not letting them take away from what I believe," he affirmed.