Chris Eubank Jr admits he feels the pressure ahead of his Oct. 8 showdown with Conor Benn, as the two second-generation fighters renew their family rivalry from the days when their fathers, Chris Sr and Nigel, did battle.
In an interview with both on “Good Morning Britain,” Eubank (32-2, 23 KO) says he’ll retire if he loses to Benn (21-0, 14 KO), while Benn — who is coming up to the 157 lb catchweight from his normal 147 weight, while Eubank is coming a bit lower than he’s used to fighting — says he’s aiming for the stoppage.
Eubank also subtly addressed the ongoing disagreements with his father over whether he should have even taken this fight.
Here’s what the two had to say in their “Good Morning Britain” appearance to promote the bout:
Benn on how he’s feeling: “This is the long part. I just want to get in there and do the business. The hard work and preparation are done, it’s now just a matter of getting in there and fighting. Get all the media work done, and I’m just excited to get in there.”
Benn on training: “I’m strong and powerful. It’s been an amazing challenge to come up two weight divisions. I just want to get in there now and prove meself.”
Eubank on how he’s feeling: “60 percent, you know. I’m calm, I’m happy, I’m on weight, and I’m ready to go. … I have this weight that I have to make, which I’ve never made before in my entire career. There’s also a rehydration clause after (the weigh-in), I can’t be over a certain weight. I can’t be 100 percent for this fight, but the 60 percent that I will be is going to be a very dangerous and worrying 60 percent for Conor.”
Eubank on coming down in weight: “I wouldn’t say (I’ve made big changes). I’m doing everything on my own accord. I’ve had my burgers and my birthday cakes, and I’ve done everything my own way. I’m a professional, but I also know what my body can do and what it can’t do. I don’t need nutritionists and gym guys who think they know what they’re doing. I know my own body.”
Benn on coming up in weight: “We can all play the card, ‘Oh, I’m coming up a stone and all that,’ at the end of the day, I can beat the man. I’ll be 100 percent because I’m a dedicated professional athlete, not ramming burgers down my throat, or portraying that image, anyway. I’m here working, grafting, and I’ll be 100 percent on the night.”
Benn on the legacy perspective of the fight: “(Our fathers’) last fight went to a draw, but we all know how that fight really went and how should have won. It’s only right I get the victory.”
