Boxing

DECLAN RICE was lauded for his bravery for going behind enemy lines to watch Chris Eubank Jr’s epic clash with Conor Benn.The Arsenal and England midfielder was just one of several stars in attendance for the Brit classic on Saturday night.Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn went to war for 12 rounds at the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumCredit: REUTERSDeclan Rice had one of the best seats in the house, along with England team-mate Ollie WatkinsCredit: GETTYMarcus Rashford was also in attendance and sat next to RiceCredit: GETTYThe middleweight match-up was staged in front of a packed crowd at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – the home of the Gunners’ sworn enemies.And his entering of enemy territory for non-footballing reasons was pointed out by one of the commentators, who said: “He’ a brave man, Declan Rice.”Rice was joined at the fight by England team-mates Marcus Rashford, who had missed Aston Villa’s FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace earlier in the day through injury, and Ollie Watkins.And the Gunners midfielder revealed he was on Team Benn before the domestic dust-up got underway, telling talkSPORT: “I want Conor Benn to win.READ MORE IN BOXING”I like Eubank, but I know Tony Sims, I know Conor, so I’m here supporting them to that.”Rice then ruled out ever setting foot inside the ring, saying: “No chance.”It takes a serious man to be on their own getting in that ring under 60,000 fans or so.”I don’t think I’ll be able to do that, but I’m sticking to football.”Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSRice had one of the best seats in the house as Eubank Jr and Benn went toe-to-toe for 12 rounds in their Spurs slugfest.Eubank Jr edged the contest via decision, with all three judges turning in 116-112 scorecards.Conor Benn reveals what Chris Eubank Sr said to him in ring after Chris Eubank Jr fightBefore being transported to the hospital, Eubank Jr, 35, said of his epic win: “I knew I was capable of that. I just needed someone to bring that out of me.”I’m not going to lie, I did not expect that he’d be the guy to do that.”But the fact that our fathers did what they did all those years ago, it brings out a different soul, a different spirit.”That’s what we both showed here tonight. I pushed through.”There’s a lot of things that have been going on in my life that I’m not going to get into right now.”But I’m happy to have (my father) back with me.”We upheld the family name like we said we were going to do. Onwards and upwards from here.” More

CONOR BENN has lifted the lid on what he said to Chris Eubank Sr during their emotional embrace in the ring.Chris Eubank Jr won the second generation grudge match last night, 35 years on from his father’s victory over Nigel Benn.Conor Benn shared a moment with Chris Eubank Sr in the ringCredit: ReutersBenn revealed what they said to each other post-fightCredit: ReutersChris Eubank Jr won via a unanimous decisionCredit: GettyEubank Sr had a public fall out with his eldest son in the build-up to the bout and he was set to stay away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.But a last-minute reconcile saw him dramatically pull up in the car behind Jr as Team Eubank arrived for the fight.At the end of their brutal 12-round clash, Benn shared an emotional hug with his rival’s dad.Asked in his post-fight press conference what was said, Conor revealed: “I grabbed him by the neck, I said: ‘Mate, I’m so happy you’re here. I’m so happy you turned up’.READ MORE IN BOXING”Because outside of everything else, outside of all the noise and the commotion and the fight, your relationship with your dad never goes.”That’s always there, that’s long-standing, that’s without boxing. What’s boxing? What is it?”Because I’ll pick the relationship with my dad over boxing anyday.”So to see them two, if this has brought them together, that’s worth its weight in gold.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBoth fathers were also seen talking at the end of the fight and Nigel added: “He [Sr] was sitting there and talking to me saying, ‘My boy’s on top’. Oh here we go.”But to me really, it was just good having him there, staying there, with the family affair.Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn in classy nods to their iconic dads during ringwalks for huge grudge fight”We lost. I didn’t really speak to him much. But praising my son, I accepted that.”That was about it really. It weren’t no deep conversation.”Eubank Sr was unhappy with his son ahead of the fight after he slapped an egg on Benn’s cheek during their face-off.The legend even blasted his boy as a “disgrace” and claimed his son has “never understood” boxing over major health concerns about Jr shredding weight to make the 12st 1lb limit.But after turning up last night, Sr said: “Conor, that’s not fair to say that I don’t even like my son, I love my son.”I may not like some of his ways, as I don’t like some of your ways, but I love him.”The Eubanks were unable to attend their post-fight press conference as Jr had to be rushed to hospital after sustaining a huge cut above his right eye.Eubank Jr vs Benn: SunSport’s verdictTHIRTY-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. More

THE scorecards for the Brit classic between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn have been revealed.The sworn enemies, 35 and 28 respectively, turned in a fight for the ages at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday night.Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn went to war for 12 rounds at the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumCredit: REUTERSEubank Jr, 35, won a hard-fought Tottenham tussle via unanimous decision courtesy of 116-122 scorecardsCredit: REUTERSThe judges’ respective cards for the fight have been revealedCredit: X@MATCHROOMBOXINGTheir rescheduled showdown, which had thrills and spills galore, went the full 12 rounds – much to the delight of boxing fans in attendance and those watching at home.Many scored the contest a draw before the judges turned in their respective scorecards.But all three of the ringside officials scored the contest 116-112 in favour of IBO middleweight champion Eubank Jr.And the trio’s respective scorecards can be revealed.READ ON EUBANK JR VS BENNJudge Lee Every gave Eubank Jr rounds one, two, four, five six, seven eleven and twelve.Kieran McCann gave ‘Next Gen’ rounds four, five, six, eight, nine, eleven and twelve.And Mark Bates reached the same scores as his counterparts by giving the Hove hitman rounds one, four, five, six, seven, ten, eleven and twelve.Eubank Jr dropped to his knees after being hit by a wave of emotion when veteran MC Michael Buffer announced him the winner.Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe 35-year-old said of his mammoth win: “I knew I was capable of that. I just needed someone to bring that out of me.”I’m not going to lie, I did not expect that he’d be the guy to do that.Conor Benn reveals what Chris Eubank Sr said to him in ring after Chris Eubank Jr fight”But the fact that our fathers did what they did all those years ago, it brings out a different soul, a different spirit.”That’s what we both showed here tonight. I pushed through.”There’s a lot of things that have been going on in my life that I’m not going to get into right now, but I’m happy to have (my father) back with me.”We upheld the family name like we said we were going to do. “Onwards and upwards from here.”Eubank Jr vs Benn: SunSport’s verdictTHIRTY-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.Benn cut a crestfallen figure in the ring and had to be embraced by dad Nigel in the aftermath of the verdict.’The Destroyer’ plans to exercise the rematch clause placed in the pair’s first contract, saying: “I want my revenge. I want revenge.”I think inactivity played a big part it’s quite hard because obviously the past two-and-a-half years what had gone on.Read More on The Sun”Not fighting back here and then coming home to this, it did take me back.”In a good way and in a bad way when I’m sitting there going, ‘Oh my gosh, this is unbelievable.'” More

CONOR BENN hinted he will rematch Chris Eubank Jr in a bid for revenge. Eubank Jr triumphed in this battle of generations with a unanimous 116-112 decision victory in front of 65,000 cheering fans on Saturday night.Chris Eubank Jr beat Conor Benn by unanimous decision in front of his legendary dadCredit: ReutersEubank Jr and Benn went the full 12 rounds as pure grit and determination kept both on their feetCredit: PABut Benn declared he was determined to avenge his defeat in a rematchCredit: ReutersThe fight – three decades in the making after their legendary fathers duked it out twice in the 1990s – went down to the wire with both giving their all in the clash.And just like the 90s, it was a Eubank – then Chris Eubank Sr – who claimed triumph.He and Nigel Benn then played out a contentious draw three years later but never completed their trilogy.However, tonight’s battle will not be the final chapter in the family feud thanks to a rematch clause inserted in the fight, which Benn declared he wants to trigger.READ MORE IN BOXINGHe said: “I want my revenge. I want revenge. “I think inactivity played a big part it’s quite hard because obviously the past two-and-a-half years what had gone on.”Not fighting back here and then coming home to this, it did take me back. “In a good way and in a bad way when I’m sitting there going, ‘Oh my gosh, this is unbelievable.’Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”And then in the same breathe it’s just a lot of new first times for me today. First stadium fight, first time fight back here in three years.”First fight at 160, you know, I had Eubank hurt multiple times, three/four times in there, noticeably just couldn’t get a finish.”Chris Eubank Sr arrives wih Jr for Conor Benn in huge show of support despite publicly criticising sonSpeaking after the heart-pumping win, Eubank hailed the “special” performance which this grudge-match had managed to extract from him.He said: “I knew I was capable of that, I just needed someone to bring it out of me. I didn’t expect him to be the guy to do that. I guess the fact our fathers did it years ago.”I pushed through. There’s a lot of things that have been going on. I’m happy to have this man [Eubank Sr] back with me. Neither was I [sure he’s be in the corner.] He needed to be here. It was special.”Benn put his defeat down to his 14-months of inactivity outside of the ring, before declaring he wants the rematch.He said: “14 months out of the ring. Inactivity must have been a factor. I felt it was a close fight. I’m not going to go ‘Yea, I think I won it and all that.’ It was close, I’ve got to watch it back.”I stayed on the ropes a bit too long, he worked harder towards the end. I’m going to have to watch it back.””We knew he was a good fighter. All that talk is fighting talk. I feel like I can compete at 160lbs. I want the rematch, I’d love to avenge that loss. “But it’s either the rematch or go and face [WBC and WBA super-lightweight champion] Mario Barrios.”Both stars made the fighting legacy of their fathers – Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn – proud over the 12 rounds played out at the Tottenham Hostpur Stadium.By round 12 both looked leggy but neither backed down as they continued to swing punches at one another despite their legs failing to work.But pure grit and determination kept both “Next Gen” and “The Destroyer” on their feet before the final bell tolled.Eubank Jr, who showed off his battle scars with a large cut above his right eye, dropped to his knees in the ring and let out a primal roar of victory after being crowned.He was later taken to hospital as a precautionary measure after the savage bout.Pre-fight the contest was marred by controversy over a failed drugs test during their originally scheduled showdown three years ago and an egg being thrown during a press conference.Eubank Jr had also been granted an abrupt U-Turn of support from his father after the pair had seemingly gone their separate ways after six years of a public fallout in their relationship.Read More on The SunBut Eubank Sr delighted the Wembley crowd as he turned up in a car at the stadium before greeting his son and joining him for the ring walk.And the spectacle in the ring more than matched the build-up with neither boxer willing to give any quarter.Eubank sported a huge cut above his right eye after the fightCredit: ReutersCHRIS EUBANK JR VS CONOR BENN LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE GRUDGE MATCH More

THIRTY-FIVE YEARS of the Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr rivalry were 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.Chris Eubank Jr battled his way back to beat Conor Benn by unanimous decisionCredit: ReutersTheir dads Nigel and Eubank Sr came together in a mark of respect before the bell wentCredit: ReutersEubank Jr celebrates after his famous victory with his dadCredit: GettyThere has been tons of trash talking, egg throwing and mind games played out to the world over the last three years.But the 12-round slugfest that left both men exhausted should not be repeated and the rivalry should now be put to bed.There were lots of wild swings. But there wasn’t a lot of oxygen.Benn started every round frantically, full of energy, but that always seemed to wilt.READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd Eubank, having made a terribly harsh weight cut and being forced to reduce his hydration, even on Saturday morning, looked like the shell of a boxer at times.Both men were shattered from the halfway point and were just swinging and slugging, never giving in.Totally unexpectedly, Eubank Sr arrived without warning at the Tottenham stadium alongside his son.And that seemed to give his eldest boy the extra lift when he needed it.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt still seemed that Eubank Jr got hurt more than Benn at times.Especially in the eighth round where he was buzzed and staggering and clinging on.Chris Eubank Sr arrives wih Jr for Conor Benn in huge show of support despite publicly criticising sonBut Jr stepped up to the plate and delivered a grandstand finish, with his legs unmovable at times. And it’s not all bad news for Benn, who showed a great chin, while going up to middleweight and 160lbs.But the good news is this fight cannot be sold on spite, venom and hatred anymore.It’s just not there.Benn looked devastated after letting the fight get away from himCredit: ReutersBoth families came together in the endCredit: AFPAll the brothers, all the sons and all the dads were sharing cuddles and hugs and talking to each other with great respect at the end. If they decide to do a rematch, it can’t be about that same supposed hatred.And it shouldn’t involve Eubank Jr having to boil down to this weight again.Read More on The SunLet them move on and get on with their careers.Both can enjoy their £8MILLION that they’ve pocketed, and stop pretending that they hate each other.Round by brutal roundCHRIS EUBANK JR secured the family bragging rights in his second generation grudge match against Conor Benn.With three unanimous 116-112 verdicts, Eubank Jr prevailed in the family feud, with his dad making a return to his corner to watch it.It lived up to the all hype – EVERY round was bloody, tasty and violent, before the more-experienced Eubank stood strong to come back into it and snatch victory.Here, SunSport’s Jack Figg gives you the ultimate breakdown of a gripping clash between the sons of two British boxing legends. Benn touchingly spoke to Eubank Sr after the bellCredit: ReutersCHRIS EUBANK JR VS CONOR BENN LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE GRUDGE MATCH More

CHRIS EUBANK JR was unable to celebrate his heroic win over Conor Benn in front of the British media having been taken to hospital.Eubank won the second generation grudge match in front of 65,000 at Tottenham’s stadium with a clean sweep of 116-112 scorecards from the three judges.Eubank Jr came through an epic battle to defeat Conor BennCredit: ReutersThe former middleweight world title challenger sported a huge cut above his right eye and had two huge swollen eyes.As a result, Eubank was taken to hospital on the doctor’s orders and missed the post-fight press conference.Spurs’ £1billion stadium erupted when Eubank’s legendary dad returned to his side for the historic grudge bout.And Sr watched in awe as his eldest edged out a gruelling unanimous verdict.Eubank Jr said: “I knew I was capable of that. I just needed someone to bring that out of me. I’m not going to lie, I did not expect that he’d be the guy to do that. “But the fact that our fathers did what they did all those years ago, it brings out a different soul, a different spirit. That’s what we both showed here tonight.“I pushed through. There’s a lot of things that have been going on in my life that I’m not going to get into right now, but I’m happy to have (my father) back with me.”We upheld the family name like we said we were going to do. Onwards and upwards from here.”Most read in BoxingA rematch clause – already agreed before their individual £8million paydays  –  has already been agreed.But Benn, who left behind a welterweight title charge, said: “I believe I can fight at 160.”But if we don’t do the rematch, which I’d love to avenge that loss, go back down to welterweight and win the WBC world title. “Mario Barrios or the rematch with Eubank, whichever happens next I’ll be content with.” Following the fight, Eubank Jr was taken to hospital on doctors’ advice after picking up a nasty eye cut and being left with a swollen face.The super-middleweight, who only made the weight on the morning of this fight, looked like he was struggling to cling on as Benn’s power punches gained the upper hand in the latter stages of the fight.But Next Gen then dug deeper than he’d ever done before to deliver a brutal final round that will live long in the memory.No quarter was asked and none was given as Eubank Jr ran out the winner on points.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

CHRIS EUBANK JR secured the family bragging rights in his second generation grudge match against Conor Benn. With three unanimous 116-112 verdicts, Eubank Jr prevailed in the family feud with his dad making a return to his corner to watch it. Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr went to war in front of 64,000 fans in North LondonCredit: GettyBrave Eubank put in a stunning late surge to clinch victoryCredit: ReutersChris Eubank Sr made a shock appearance to back his eldest sonCHRIS EUBANK JR VS CONOR BENN LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE GRUDGE MATCHIt lived up to the all hype – EVERY round was bloody, tasty and violent, before the more-experienced Eubank stood strong to come back into it and snatch victory. Here, SunSport’s Jack Figg gives you the ultimate breakdown of a gripping clash between the sons of two British boxing legends. Round 1 The referee forces them to touch gloves before the bout starts after initially ignoring his request.Benn unsurprisingly flies out looking for the right, bobbing, weaving, jumping in with another right.ERAD MORE BOXING NEWSEubank triples up jab looking to assert his size, but Benn again flies in wildly.There’s a coming together after Benn throws a right and Eubank holds on.Double jab right just misses for Benn – the round ends having felt like it went on forever.Conor Benn came out like lightningCredit: ReutersCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRound 2Benn darts forward, ducking under a Eubank shot.Most read in BoxingBoth trade lefts then come together already  – being getting a warning by the ref.Jab from Eubank’s snaps Benn’s head back. He fires back. Right hook lands for Benn and the left just misses. Jab lands for Benn, then Eubank responds with his own and scores with a left hook. Round 3Benn just misses with a counter right as Eubank – who missed the weight by 0.05lb – looks a little lethargic. Right lands on the button for Benn and the follow left stuns Eubank in what is the first sign of danger. Eubank goads Benn and tries to rough him up and snaps his head back with a jab. There’s a coming together and both end up on the floor. Big right for Benn as Eubank looks to go to the body. Eubank fell into Benn as the pair fell into the floor in the third roundCredit: GettyRound 4Three punch combo out the gate for Eubank to the head and body, which pushes Benn back. Both swing out and miss but a huge uppercut off the jab lands for Eubank as the crowd chant his name. Benn slips and lands a left, follows up soon after with a counter right as Eubank misses with the reply.Ben was arguably 3-0 up by this stageCredit: ReutersRound 5Benn hit the floor – does a roll – but it’s ruled as a slip. Eubank looks to stop Benn’s attacks, as opposed to mounting his own. But he drives Benn back with a couple of one-twos and then sends him flying across the ring with a shrug – with his size advantage on full display. Eubank misses with a right and Benn says “what was that?”Down goes Benn, but it appears it was just a loss of balance caused by his own footwork more than anythingCredit: AFPRound 6Both trade on the inside before Benn drives Eubank back to the ropes and stick his gloves in his MOUTH. Sharp counter right lands for Benn, then Eubank replies and both twist around and lose each other. Counter right uppercut lands for Eubank as Benn flies forward. Benn lands right, Eubank responds with a jab and then evades three shots coming his way – the fight appears to be turning here. Round 7Ugly scenes as both boxers try to grab each other and punch. Eubank gets a warning – maybe his last before a point comes off. He them whips in an uppercut, which Benn takes well as the crowd gasps. An Uppercut left shakes Benn, but he fires back. Benn tries to slip but walks into some shots – clearly not defending as well as he was earlier. Eubank still lets the verbals jabs fly too and a big one-two shakes Benn. Eubank took more control by Round 7Round 8Benn comes out strong, swinging from the hip after sensing Eubank’s recent success.Both sit in the pocket and Benn holds his feet as a right hand whiskers past him. It’s like in the movies where two boxers go blow-for-blow – just this time nothing actually lands. Again both trade hooks, bobbing, weaving and throwing with each other. Eubank chases Benn across the ring desperately looking for a big shot and both land on the inside. They sit on the ropes, chest to chest, and throw what they physically can muster but it’s out of pure exhaustion. Eubank Sr was spotted giving his son’s corner adviceRound 9Benn wildy misses with a left hook. They tangle in the centre of the ring as Benn fires back with a right hand. Benn’s backs to the ropes and they left off shots, nothing finds home. He then misses with a looping hook but Eubank is CUT from a head clash. Both land shots and look staggered as Eubank takes the fight to close quarters.Eubank Jr was cut by a clash of heads in the ninth roundRound 10Both quite literally run into each other and let their hands go, turning into a brawl. Eubank forces Benn into the ropes, goes back into the centre and it’s a fight in the phonebox again. Both swing from the hip and land on the button. Benn connects on the chin and Eubank’s legs dip but he just about evades a follow up shot. Eubank somehow comes forward but walks right into a Benn right hand. Round 11Eubank lands a jab and right hook to the body, follows up with a counter uppercut, his legs are going but his upper body stays strong.The 35-year-old unleashes a barrage of shots as Benn backs up to the ropes, bullying the smaller man.Round 12They touch gloves – first glimpse of respect between them.There’s a tussle on the ropes with Eubank getting the better of it, using his size, big right hand rockets off Benn’s dome.Read More on The SunBenn is shaken back with a short shot on the inside and he looks to be in trouble but somehow he battles on.Now Benn responds with a huge right, but Eubank fires back with a left and both trade until the bell goes. The final round was the battle of the centuryCredit: Getty More