Avila Perspective, Chap. 351: Blood Feuds in England – Eubank vs Benn 2

Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn have a blood feud if nothing else.

Blood feuds go back almost 1,000 years when King Richard and Prince John tussled for the crown of England. Was that the first? Who knows but Benn and Eubank don’t like each other and that’s plain to see. Even their fathers fought and disliked each other.

Eubank (35-3, 26 KOs) and Benn (23-1, 14 KOs) are springing back to action against each other like a mongoose and a cobra on Saturday, Nov. 15, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. DAZN pay-per-view will stream the rematch.

Their first encounter that took place last April was a candidate for Fight of the Year. And the year is not over yet. They blazed the prize ring seven months ago and stole thunder from the heavyweights. Each round saw both fighters digging deep for the knockout punch, the coup de grace.

Despite the size difference, Benn and Eubank weren’t looking for excuses. They were looking for annihilation.

American audiences were mesmerized by what they saw. Many didn’t think the Brits capable of that kind of violence. But if you know history, the Brits have it in spades.

Neither has returned to the prize ring to face anyone else. They both are desperate to eliminate the other from any future in their livelihood. The rest of the boxing world can wait. This is what they are destined to do; end the other’s career in boxing.

They will be fighting at 160 once again. That can prove an advantage for Benn who is the smaller man and accustomed to fighting at 147. Eubank looked spent their first time against each other but muscled his way to victory by decision. Can he muster up enough determination a second time.

Problems with weight have plunged many a fighter to defeat. Eubank, the bigger man, said their first fight left him dangerously dehydrated to the degree he lost the toenail on his big toe. Will he be better prepared for the weight loss this time around?

“One thing I know for sure is Conor Benn put up a great fight,” said Eubank. “I won the fight against all odds.”

Benn knows what to expect this time around. The explosive fighter erupted early with deadly combinations and discovered that Eubank was able to withstand the assaults.

“Did I underestimate him? I generally thought I would knock him out in three or four rounds. So, I underestimated him,” admitted Benn during the press conference.

A rematch was set for September but that date was moved to November to accommodate Eubank.

“It was a spectacle that demanded a rematch,” said BOXXER promoter Ben Shalom. “

Other bouts on the Matchroom Boxing and BOXXER co-promotion include Jack Catterall (31-2, 12 KOs) versus Ekow Essuman (22-1, 8 KOs) for a regional welterweight title. Also, super lights Adam Azim (13-0, 10 KOs) and Kurt Scoby (18-1, 16 KOs) will test each other’s power, Both are unaccustomed to hearing judges decisions.

Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua?

Negotiations between Jake Paul and former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua are ongoing for a possible fight that could take place in December, according to various media sources.

Paul had been scheduled to face Gervonta “Tank” Davis this month but the Baltimore-based prizefighter faced domestic violence accusations. Paul has pivoted and seeks a jaw-dropping match against Joshua who is no longer world champion but remembered for his massacre of MMA champion Francis Ngannou in March 2024.

Once again Paul is looking to stir the public interest with a match that stirs the public imagination and also could serve as his own demise. Unlike his previous bout a year ago against 58-year-old Mike Tyson, a fight with Joshua, 36, who is still active as a boxer, would be detrimental to his health.

Of all his previous foes, Joshua, 36, could be the nail to his boxing coffin.

It could also be an immense draw if successful.

Manny Pacquiao at Pechanga

Manny Pacquiao Promotions debuts on Saturday Nov. 29, at Pechanga Casino in Temecula, Calif. and will co-sponsor the event with the US Marines Toys for Tots.

Fans are encouraged to bring unwrapped toys to the event that features the pro debut of Manny “Jimuel” Pacquiao, the son of the great Manny Pacquiao. He will be facing fellow novice Brendan Lally in a lightweight fight set for four rounds. The main event features Elijah Pierce (21-2, 17 KOs) against Lorenzo Parra (23-1-1, 17 KOs) for a regional featherweight title.

“We’re proud to use this event as a platform not just for great fights, but for great causes,” said Brendan Gibbons, MPP’s Lead Matchmaker. “This promotion reflects the heart of the Pacquiao name—in the ring and in the community.”

Fights to Watch (Pacific Time)

Sat. DAZN ppv 8:45 a.m. Conor Benn (23-1) vs Chris Eubank Jr. (35-3); Sat. Top Rank FAST Channel 5:00 p.m. Rafael Espinoza vs. Arnold Khegai; Richard Torrez Jr vs. Tomas Salek.

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