NIGEL BENN, much to my surprise, has given his whole-hearted blessing for his son Conor, to take on the very much bigger offspring of bitter rival Chris Eubank.
My colleague Wally Downes Jr revealed in SunSport yesterday that Conor and Chris Jr are expected to meet in a catch-weight war on October 8, probably at London’s 20,000 seater O2 Arena.
Conor Benn looks set to move up to 156lbs, having previously fought at 147lbs
Chris Eubank Jr looks set to come down from 160lbs for the catchweight bout
Such a controversial clash would certainly stir-up the old animosities between the Benn and Eubank clans that gripped boxing fans thirty years ago.
Those of us lucky enough to have been ringside to see Eubank beat Benn in 1990 – and then watch them draw their return three years later – will never forget those fierce battles.
There was certainly a great deal of animosity that existed in both camps during the pre-fight build-ups.
To have the Benn and Eubank boys attempting to replicate those by-gone days watched by their elderly fathers smacks of a rather cynical money-making gimmick – there wouldn’t be a title in sight.
There’s no denying a showdown between the junior members of those boxing dynasties would have enormous box-office appeal that’s likely to sell-out a major arena and draw a large TV audience.
As Eubank Jr said: “What fight fan wouldn’t want to see it. Two legends, their sons fighting each other and they’re both doing big things in the boxing world.”
There are very good reasons – apart from the fortune they would share – why Chris Jr is so keen for it to happen.
It concerns his distinct superiority in height, reach and weight.
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Conor is a small welterweight while Chris Jr has fought at super-middleweight – a huge 21lb discrepancy between the 10st 7lb and 12st divisions.
There would have to be agreement over what weight they would fight at before contracts are signed – and that is likely to provoke lively arguments.
Inevitably, Chris Jr would be more than a stone heavier than Conor by the time they climbed through the ropes.
That’s why there must be reservations about the validity of this kids confrontation and why I expected Nigel to be dead against Conor having to face such a physical disadvantage.
But when I called the Dark Destroyer at his Sydney home to get his views, I was astonished that he’s relishing the thought of Conor taking on such a formidable task.
Nigel said: “I have no fears about Conor going in with Eubank’s lad. In fact I welcome it.
“I know the old adage of a good big ‘un beating a good little ‘un but that’s an old-fashioned view.
“I moved up from middleweight and won a super-middleweight world title and Chris Jr’s dad did the same.
“Manny Pacquiao became a world champion in eight weight divisions from flyweight to welterweight, and Canelo Alvarez started out at welterweight and was world light-heavyweight champion.
And there are plenty of other examples.
“So Conor has my full support because I know if they do meet he’s more than capable of beating Eubank’s boy.”
Can you imagine the shenanigans that would take place in the days leading up to the opening bell if Benn and Eubank’s youngsters do get it on?
Chris Sr might even get his monocle, jodhpurs and riding boots out of mothballs for the occasion.
