Chris Eubank Jr. wants his legendary father to play a major part in his upcoming showdown with Conor Benn.
Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn are weeks away from squaring off in one of the biggest fights in British boxing history. More than 30 years after their fathers went to battle twice in the ring, Eubank and Benn are on the verge of becoming undisputed champions as they kick off their rivalry.
Eubank and his father are estranged, as detailed in various interviews in recent years. But while there’s been silence between the two sides, the idea of fixing their relationship came up as Eubank prepared to face his father’s former rival’s son in the ring.
Many wonder whether or not Eubank Sr. will appear ringside for the April 26th event.
Chris Eubank Jr. shares father’s bizarre answer to Conor Benn fight invite
In a recent interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, Eubank opened up on his recent reunion with his father and whether or not he’ll attend the Benn fight.
“It was the first real conversation we’ve had in a couple of years. Wasn’t that long…he said the fight isn’t gonna happen,” Eubank said of his father. “It sounds crazy, but at the same time, he said the same thing just before the last fight. I can’t even call him crazy now because it happened the first time, but it’s virtually impossible [this time].
“Even if that was his mindset, I feel like he should still be supporting, but he has this mental block about this whole thing. I don’t know why, but he’s got his demons and something in his mind that he can’t get over…
“It was good and bad. Some good parts, and some not-so-good parts. We haven’t spoken since, so it didn’t go that well. But I’m still hopeful we can figure out a way to get him to this fight, I still hope we can do that.”
Eubank’s father has repeatedly criticized his son publicly over the years for failing to meet lofty expectations for his career. Eubank enters the Benn fight with a 34-3 professional record and is fresh off a knockout win over Kamil Szeremeta in October.
- READ MORE: Conor Benn almost took his first loss after being knocked down twice in the opening round
Chris Eubank Jr. eyes Canelo Alvarez after beating Conor Benn
If Eubank gets past Benn later this month, he’ll likely target the undisputed championship and a showdown with Canelo Alvarez. Alvarez is set to return to the ring next month and will reportedly clash in a super fight with Terence Crawford later this year.
Eubank’s father is considered one of the greatest British boxers in the sport’s history. During his career, he amassed a 45-5-2 record with wins against the likes of Tony Thornton, John Jarvis, and Michael Watson.
Generations collide as Eubank and Benn prepare to fight later this month. Whether or not Eubank’s father will attend remains to be seen, but in either case, it continues to be a significant talking point.