Nigel Benn reignited his long running feud with the Eubank family in the moments after son Conor’s emphatic victory, launching into an explosive tirade at Chris Eubank Sr and accusing his former rival of being a “prat” who “loves the limelight”.
Benn had watched with visible pride as Conor produced a commanding performance to defeat Chris Eubank Jr at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The unanimous decision win delivered the Benn family’s first triumph in the rivalry that began thirty five years ago.
The original grudge dates back to 1990 when Eubank Sr stopped Benn in their first encounter, before the rematch at Old Trafford in 1993 ended in a highly controversial draw that Benn has never quite forgiven.
When Conor lost to Eubank Jr in April, the Benn family’s wait for revenge stretched even further.
But the Ilford fighter settled the score on Saturday night with a dominant display that left his father delighted.
Even so, old wounds between the two former champions resurfaced almost immediately.
Speaking in a fiery post fight outburst lasting more than two minutes, Benn described a tense face off with Eubank Sr during Thursday’s press conference and accused his former opponent of staging the moment purely for attention.
Chris Eubank Jr was poor on Saturday night as Conor Benn won their rematch at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium | PA“At the press conference I will say it now, we had a face off,” Benn said. “He is dancing because he loves the limelight. He does not care about his son, he just loves the limelight.”
Benn explained that he attempted to offer an olive branch but was rebuffed.
“He came right next to me and I thought, let me just shake your hand, so I pulled him in for a hug and he put his hand up to me," he continued.
"And I actually felt like I wanted to… so when he tried to shake my hand tonight, I thought, I am not playing your games, mate.
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Five facts about boxing that fans might not know | GBNEWS/PA"I do not think I will even speak to him again, because I find him a right prat.”
The former two weight world champion did not stop there, questioning Eubank Sr’s behaviour, his public statements and his influence on his son’s career.
“He is an idiot. He tries to quote scripture and all that, he does not even know what he is talking about," he added. "I just cannot get him. When you have them two around you, everything is just so negative.”
Benn also criticised both father and son for what he sees as disrespect towards promoters and constant complaining in the build up to fights.
“Back in the day, we never talked disrespectful about our promoters that are putting money in our banks and giving us a good life,” Benn said.
“We never did that with Frank Warren or Mickey Duff, we never slagged them off, but the way he talks about Eddie Hearn, how disrespectful is he. Both of them.”
Conor Benn was outstanding during his boxing rematch with Chris Eubank Jr | PAHe reserved particular frustration for repeated claims from Eubank Sr about the dangers of making weight.
“Eubank is always talking about, we are struggling at the weight, they are going to kill my son," he added.
"Mate, he has been a middleweight for how many years. He has been IBO champion, but as soon as he fights a welterweight, oh we have problems. Always moaning. Always.”
Benn ended his furious speech with a sense of relief that the feud may finally be put to rest.
“I tell you what, I am sick to death of them to tell the truth and I am glad it is over now," he stated.
"I am glad it is over now and we will not have to hear about them anymore.”