Chris Eubank Jr has explained why he’ll walk away from professional boxing if he loses to Conor Benn.
Next Saturday night at the O2 Arena in London, Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn will put an end to a feud between families that’s been ongoing for decades now.
The pair had teased the idea of a match-up many times in the past but it finally looks set to happen in front of a sold-out crowd in the English capital.
It’ll take place at a catchweight of 157 pounds with Benn moving up two weight classes, whereas Eubank Jr will be dropping to 157 for the first time in his career.
Read more: Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn: Date, how to watch, and everything you need to know
There’s a whole lot on the line here for both men with the biggest prize of all, of course, being the bragging rights that will come with finally putting an end to this rivalry once and for all.
Eubank Jr serves as the senior veteran out of the two with a record of 32-2, giving him a lot more time in the ring than Benn as he moved to 21-0 earlier this year.
He’s also seven years older which is a point that’s divided many fans between those who think the experience will favour him and those who believe it could hinder his speed in comparison to the lighter Benn.
During a recent media appearance that the two shared on Good Morning Britain, Eubank Jr revealed that he will be retiring from boxing if he can’t get the job done before going on to explain why.
Video: Chris Eubank Jr explains possible retirement
“I’ve said it before and this is the first time I’ve said it throughout my career - if I lose this fight, I retire, and I love fighting. I love the sport, I love being a boxer, I don’t want it to end.”
Eubank Jr was then asked directly why he’d walk away if he couldn’t get the job done.
“Because losing to a Conor Benn at this stage of my career, it means I’m not the fighter that I thought I was, or that I think I am. I wanna challenge for world titles within the next six to twelve months. I can’t do that with a loss to Conor Benn.
“My father retired at 32, I’m 33 years old. So, this is an extremely important fight and there’s a lot of pressure on me not only to win, but to uphold the name and the family legacy.”
Like fathers, like sons
Back in November 1990, Chris Eubank Sr defeated Nigel Benn via TKO in a highly anticipated meeting in Birmingham.
Read more: Boxing's greatest line? Chris Eubank Sr's eloquently brilliant take down of Nigel Benn in 1990
Then, just under three years later, a titanic rematch took place at Old Trafford as the two enemies fought to an enthralling draw, leaving it up to their sons to settle the score.