ANTHONY JOSHUA summed up Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn’s thrilling fight in just nine words.
The born rivals gave fans an instant classic over 12 gruelling rounds with Eubank Jr awarded a unanimous decision victory.
And former world heavyweight champion AJ summed up the feelings of the entire nation with his post-fight reaction.
Joshua, 35, said: “Watching this fight makes me proud to be British.”
The second generation grudge bout came 35 years after their dads’ famous first fight, which was won by Eubank Sr before a drw three years later.
But the two-weight world champion threatened to boycott his son’s bout.
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Eubank Sr warned his eldest should be fighting at super-middleweight and Benn never allowed to jump up from welterweight.
His son also missed Friday’s 160lb middleweight limit by an agonising 0.05lb – and had to pay a painful £370,000 fine to Benn for doing so.
But he did hit the 170lb rehydration cap on the morning of the bout – leading to concerns over his health heading into the fight.
Eubank Jr looked destined to head into the fight of his life all on his own – until his dad made the most grand and surprising of entrances.
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Eubank Jr vs Benn: SunSport’s verdict
THIRTY-FIVE YEARS of the Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr rivalry was settled with 36 minutes of violence.
Yet with all the tremendous heart shown by both boxers, there wasn’t much technique, skill or finesse on display here.
After tons of trash talking, egg throwing and mind games that have been played out to the world over the last three years, SunSport’s Wally Downes Jr gives his verdict on what should be the final chapter in one of British boxing’s biggest beefs.
Read here to find out why the 12-round slugfest should not be repeated – and why the rivalry should now be put to bed.
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Sr sent Spurs’ £1billion stadium into a frenzy after reuniting with his boy and later watching his victory.
A rematch clause is in their contract with Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh having already eyed Tottenham again for September.
But Eubank Jr could choose to move back up in weight while Benn has options down at welterweight to fight WBC champion Mario Barrios.
Both ended up in hospital with Benn being discharged first and heading right back into training just 48 hours after his first loss.
He said: “Yes, people. Attack the week, make the days count.
“School’s never out. Working, learning and staying in shape. The same, really.
“I watched the fight back. I, personally, have me up a point. I wouldn’t mind a, you know, one point either way.
“Four points is a bit wide, in my opinion. But you keep it moving. I ain’t gonna cry over spilt milk. I’ve got to do better than I do.
“And work harder, if that’s possible, and work as smart as I can. We gotta keep it moving. We’re just getting started. Just getting started, baby.
“Come on, attack the week. Let’s go.”
Eubank Jr, 35, was also released on Monday morning and spoke out soon after on social media.
He posted: “Well it took nearly 3 years but we finally got the job done.
“Big shout out to everyone that supported the fight on Saturday & made it the once in a lifetime event that it was… without the fans none of this is possible, thank you.”
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Benn, 28, reacted to Eubank being discharged by posting “Great news”, and a hand-clapping emoji.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
