In a recent interview on the “Up Front” podcast, Nigel Benn explained the reasons behind his historic feud with Chris Eubank Sr. The two shared one of boxing’s most iconic rivalries, with their first bout in 1990 marking the beginning of an intense conflict that extended beyond the ring.
The first fight between Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr took place on November 18, 1990, at the NEC in Birmingham, England.
In an event filled with high expectations, Eubank planned to make his entrance to the tune of Tina Turner’s “Simply the Best,” a song that symbolized his persona in the ring.
However, moments before his walkout, someone from Benn’s team disconnected the sound system, leaving Eubank without his trademark entrance music.
The absence of his song did not stop Eubank, who entered the ring amidst boos from the crowd.
Although he was accustomed to being the “villain” in his fights, this prank by Benn’s team was an unexpected disruption to his pre-fight routine.
This act reflected the hostility between the two, which fueled a widely publicized and deeply personal rivalry.
The first fight between Benn and Eubank ended with Eubank securing a victory in the ninth round, solidifying his status as one of the top boxers of the time.
However, tensions between the two continued outside the ring, paving the way for a highly anticipated rematch in 1993.
The second fight, held on October 9, 1993, at Old Trafford, drew an audience of 42,000 spectators and was watched by 16.5 million viewers on British television.
This time, Eubank’s entrance went uninterrupted, and the two engaged in a fierce battle for the unification of the super middleweight title.
Benn was docked a point for a low blow, but his performance in the final round was impressive.
The fight ended in a draw, leaving Benn visibly frustrated, though many felt the result reflected the evenly matched contest.
A third fight between Benn and Eubank never materialized, leaving their rivalry as one of the most memorable chapters in British boxing history.
During the “Up Front” podcast interview, Nigel Benn admitted that he felt Chris Eubank Sr treated him as if he were “beneath him” in the 90s.
“(Is it because he’s a patronizing sod?) You hit the nail on the head. He’s created an image that ain’t really him. It was like I was beneath him, and I didn’t take kindly to that,” Benn said.
Despite their past animosity, Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr have since put their differences aside. They now maintain a good friendship, demonstrating that even the fiercest rivalries can give way to mutual respect.
However, the rivalry between the Benn and Eubank families seems to have been passed down to their sons.
It was recently reported that Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr are in talks to finalize a highly anticipated fight that could reignite the historic feud.
If the bout takes place, it promises to be a landmark event, not only reviving a family rivalry but also marking a significant moment in British boxing history.
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