Boxing
Eddie Hearn reveals how Conor Benn bounced back from the depths of despair to defeat Chris Eubank Jr
Eddie Hearn hailed Conor Benn as a “role model and inspiration” after resurrecting his career by beating bitter rival Chris Eubank Jr with a sensational victory on Saturday night.
The grudge rematch, which followed the original fight in April which Eubank Jr won, saw Benn emerge victorious in emphatic fashion.
It marked a first win for the Benn family in four attempts against their biggest foes, as 'The Destroyer' managed what father Nigel could not do against Eubank Jr.'s father Chris Sr.
Having suffered the first defeat of his career to Eubank Jr nearly seven months ago, Benn bounced back from a period of adversity to clinch an unanimous decision win in style.
Matchroom Boxing supremo Hearn, the 29-year-old’s promoter, said: “I thought Conor Benn was sensational – it was a mature performance and just a massive victory.
“Stepping up two divisions, fighting a middleweight and becoming the first Benn to beat a Eubank, I just want to say how proud we all are of Conor Benn.
“It was probably only a year ago, honestly, where you talk about being on the floor, this guy was completely finished – mentally, emotionally, financially.
“But he never stopped fighting and he never stopped training.
“This event is sponsored by Movember, which is a charity designed to aid men’s mental health, and we talk about suicide rates and stuff like that.
“If people knew how down Conor was – and how much trouble he was in – in all those parts of his life, he should be a true role model and an inspiration to those people to show that there is always a way out.
“He always kept the faith, he never stopped working, and he kept on believing.”
Mark Robinson / Matchroom Boxing
Hearn reckons Benn could have easily thrown in the towel during his lowest ebb.
While huge doubts surround the future of Eubank Jr, Benn’s attention will turn to winning a world title, a feat his father achieved.
Hearn continued: “There were times when people said ‘just jack it in, Con’ but he said ‘no, I’m not going to stop fighting for my name’.
“And he did that out of the ring and Saturday night’s win was the culmination of all the hard work of a young man who we saw make his professional debut at the 02.
“He was all over the place – a guy who I honestly didn’t believe would win an area title – but he’s just filled Tottenham Hotspur Stadium twice.
“He’s secured his family and his children’s financial legacy forever and now we’re going to move on and make a true legacy in the sport to win a world title.
“I’m very proud of Conor Benn and everything he’s done because he’s an inspiration to people to show that there’s always a way back.”
Watch Benavidez vs. Yarde live only on DAZN
David Benavidez vs. Anthony Yarde headlines a star-studded Ring IV fight card in Riyadh on Saturday, November 22. Watch it exclusively on DAZN PPV.
