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    Nottingham Forest give Taiwo Awoniyi injury update after ‘urgent surgery’ and hail Marinakis for showing ‘deep care’

    NOTTINGHAM FOREST announced Taiwo Awoniyi is recovering “well so far” after undergoing “urgent surgery”.Awoniyi, 27, suffered a horrific abdominal injury during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Leicester in the Premier League at City Ground.Nottingham Forest announced Taiwo Awoniyi is recovering after undergoing surgeryAwoniyi’s injury and the way it was handled led to a furious reaction by Forest owner Evangelos MarinakisForest insist there was no confrontation between Marinakis and manager Nuno Espírito SantoThe striker crashed into the post on 87 minutes after stretching to meet a brilliant pass from Anthony Elanga on the right flank.But following several minutes of treatment the Nigeria international was cleared to continue even though he did not look fit to play. Forest told SunSport that was what led owner Evangelos Marinakis’ intense talk with manager Nuno Espírito Santo at full-time as he wasn’t happy with the way Awoniyi’s injury was handled.And the Nigerian was rushed to hospital on Monday for emergency abdominal surgery after the Tricky Trees’ medical staff discovered the full extent of his problem.Read More on Football Thankfully the centre-forward’s operation went well and he is currently recovering.Forest shared the following statement: “Nottingham Forest can confirm that Taiwo Awoniyi is recovering well so far following urgent surgery on a serious abdominal injury sustained during Sunday’s match against Leicester City. “The seriousness of his injury is a powerful reminder of the physical risks in the game, and why a player’s health and well-being must always come first.”Nottingham also explained Marinakis’ angry reaction, which was met by criticism from the likes of Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher, came as a result of “deep care, responsibility, and emotional investment”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe statement continued: “At Nottingham Forest, this principle is not just policy for us; it is the deeply held belief and conviction of our owner. To Evangelos Marinakis, this isn’t just a football club — it’s family – and he instils that message in all of us.”That is why he was so personally and emotionally invested in the situation that unfolded at the City Ground on Sunday. “His reaction was one of deep care, responsibility, and emotional investment in one of our own. He didn’t just see it as an isolated incident, but as something that reflected the values and unity of the entire team.”In moments like that he demonstrates his leadership, not just through words, but through action and presence. In the final ten minutes of the game, when he saw our player clearly in discomfort, struggling through visible pain, it became increasingly difficult for him to stay on the sidelines. “His deep frustration at seeing our player lying on the ground in severe pain -something no one with genuine care could ignore – triggered him to go onto the pitch.”Forest stated there was no confrontation with Nuno but instead there was a “shared frustration” regarding the medical team’s decision to allow Awoniyi to continue.’There was no confrontation’The statement also suggested Marinakis “would do the same again if such an unfortunate event were ever to reoccur”.The announcement added: “It was instinctive, human, and a reflection of just how much this team and its people mean to him. He would do the same again if such an unfortunate event were ever to reoccur. “The truth of the matter is there was no confrontation, with Nuno or with others, either on the pitch or inside the stadium. There was only shared frustration between all of us that the medical team should never have allowed the player to continue.”In light of this, we urge former coaches and players, and other public figures in the game, to resist the urge to rush to judgement and fake news online, especially when they do not have the full facts and context. “Baseless and ill-informed outrage for the purposes of personal social media traction serves no one — least of all the injured player. We call on these influential voices to show the same respect for player welfare that they often demand from others. Let concern come before commentary.Read More on The Sun”At Nottingham Forest, we believe the mental and physical well-being of our players and coaching staff must always take precedence — over media narratives, inflammatory judgements, and certainly over self-promotion. “In moments like these, the game must unite around those who put their bodies and minds on the line every week. That’s what real leadership looks like in our game.” More

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    ‘I thought I was minutes away from lights out’ – Rio Ferdinand breaks silence on horror bug that put him in hospital

    RIO FERDINAND has opened up about the health issue that left him hospitalised last week, revealing he thought he was close to “lights out”.The former Manchester United defender spent days in hospital and was forced to miss his punditry duties with TNT Sports.Rio Ferdinand has opened up about the health issue that left him hospitalisedCredit: PAThe former defender shared an update from his hospital bed last weekCredit: https://x.com/rioferdy5Ferdinand, 46, was set to provide analysis of Arsenal’s visit to Paris Saint-Germain before acting as co-commentator as United reached the Europa League final.Instead he was forced to watch on from a hospital bed and updated fans on his condition by sharing a photo of himself with his thumbs up.That was the aftermath of a serious ordeal for the former England defender, who had been suffering from a horrific stomach bug.The “crazy” illness left Ferdinand vomiting while he also experienced migraines and vertigo, making him feel like the “lights were out”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said on his show, Rio Ferdinand Presents: “I had a mad virus. I thought lights were out at some point, I thought it was gonna happen. I thought I was minutes away from lights out, seriously.”I was in my house, I was in my bed like this [pained expression] and I couldn’t even open my eyes.”Then, the headache I had… I don’t get migraines or nothing else so I don’t know what they’re like. I thought my head was in a vice and my eyes were going to pop out.”Then, I was being sick, projectile vomiting in the toilet, I got back to bed and I was having vertigo. I was holding onto the sheets, I didn’t know where I was. It was crazy.”Most read in FootballFerdinand also revealed he went into a state of panic after doctors told him he would need a brain scan.He was even offered an ambulance, making the ex-England star even more nervous.Rio Ferdinand calls out Roy Keane and Gary Neville’s takes on Man Utd vs Man City Ferdinand continued: “I had to go to hospital and the doctor even said to me, “Do you want an ambulance”? So that’s when I knew.”He went, ‘We’re going to get your brain scanned’. I thought it was a virus or a flu or something so when he mentioned brain scan and the ambulance, the panic was nuts.”I went to hospital and I was in there for a few days. I couldn’t even enjoy the hospital food. The soup and the ice cream normally does wonders.” More

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    Ex-Chelsea defender Sam Hutchinson undergoes heart surgery after suffering health complications in League Two clash

    AFC Wimbledon star Sam Hutchinson had heart surgery after suffering complications following a League Two clash against Grimsby.The ex-Chelsea man was taken to hospital after scoring the goal that clinched the Wombles’ place in the play-offs on May 3.Sam Hutchinson had a tight chest during AFC Wimbledon’s 1-0 win over GrimsbyCredit: RexFormer Chelsea star had heart surgery after suffering complicationsThe 35-year-old defensive midfielder played the full 90 minutes of AFC Wimbledon’s 1-0 win at fellow play-off chasers Grimsby.And his close range effort in the 52nd minute secured fifth in the table and a first round promotion play-off clash with Notts County.But Hutchinson was forced to miss the Dons’ first leg 1-0 win on Saturday at Meadow Lane after having heart surgery in London.The former Cobham star complained of chest problems in his post-match interview at Blundell Park.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe said: “To be fair, I felt like rubbish during the game for some reason. I had a really tight chest.”I wanted to come off in the first six minutes but I had to battle on like an old warhorse.”Hutchinson was taken to hospital on the journey back where he was treated and assessed in Queens Medical Centre and City Hospital in Nottingham.A club statement read: “Sam then had a successful procedure at the end of last week in London and he now has a clear return to play plan in place. Most read in FootballHutchinson and Ryan Bertrand on the way to the Chelsea victory parade following their UEFA Champions League and FA Cup victories in May 2012Credit: Getty”Everyone at Wimbledon extends their best wishes to Sam who is now recovering at home with his family. “Hutchinson has played a key part of the team’s success this season.”Whilst he is recovering, Sam continues to have an impact on the squad and we are hopeful we can end the season positively for Sam. “The club would like to place on record their sincere thanks for the support and care provided at Queens Medical Centre and City Hospital in Nottingham, as well as Cleveland Hospital in London.”After coming through the ranks at Chelsea, Hutchinson made just five appearances for the first team between 2007 and 2014.He was loaned out to Nottingham Forest and Vitesse Arnhem during that time before permanently joining Sheffield Wednesday. Hutchinson has had a turbulent career that saw him forced to retire in 2010 after severe knee problems troubled his formative years.Playing as a defender for Chelsea back then, Hutchinson called time on his career at just 21 years old.Read More on The SunBut some 18-months later the former England youth prospect returned to Stamford Bridge following extensive rehab.After eight years at Wednesday, Hutchinson joined Reading where he spent the last two seasons. More

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    German footballer Tim Lemperle rushed to hospital after being ‘assaulted’ and out of crucial Bundesliga promotion clash

    GERMAN football star Tim Lemperle was rushed to hospital after sustaining injures to his face during an assault on a night out.Koln star Lemperle will likely miss Sunday’s huge promotion final against Kaiserslautern for a place in the Bundesliga next season.Tim Lemperle was rushed to hospital after being assaulted on a night outCredit: RexLemperle reportedly suffered a broken nose and a gash on his face on Sunday evening, according to German outlet Bild.The report claims that the striker was out with friends in a borough of Cologne.A fight broke out in a boathouse bar near the bank of the River Rhine with another group, before things settled down.But Lemperle and his pals were allegedly attacked while leaving the venue later at 9pm local time.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe 23-year-old former Frankfurt star was taken to a local hospital where he stayed overnight until Monday morning.Koln boss Friedhelm Funkel hasn’t had any contact with Lemperle, who was forced to miss training on Monday afternoon.Funkel said: “I know he was physically assaulted on Sunday. He sustained facial injuries. “The likelihood of him playing on Sunday is slim. It can’t be completely dismissed, but it is slim. I can’t say anything more about it.”Most read in FootballThe police are investigating the incident and appealing for witnesses.Lemperle has scored 10 goals and provided six assists in 24 second division appearances this season.And he was nailed on starter for the final, after having been named in the starting XI in 22 out of 24 league games this term.FC Koln finished second in Bundesliga 2, behind Hamburg who were automatically promoted to end a seven-year absence from the German top flight.Lemperle’s team-mates take on Kaiserslautern, who finished just inside the playoff places in sixth, in the final. More

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    Chris Eubank Sr held my hand in hospital and told me I’m the superior fighter, claims defeated Conor Benn

    CONOR BENN said he was comforted by Chris Eubank Jr’s dad from his hospital bed following their brave battle. Eubank Jr beat Benn to walk away from Tottenham’s stadium with a heroic unanimous points win and most vitally family bragging rights. Conor Benn said he was comforted by Chris Eubank Jr’s dad from his hospital bedCredit: YouTube/iFL TVConor Benn with Chris Eubank Sr and his dad NigelCredit: AFPBut both ended up in the same hospital – just a few beds down from each other.And Benn claimed Eubank Sr – who made an emotional return to his son’s corner after their public falling out – was by his side following the thriller. He told iFL TV: “Sr came in to see me, we were chatting. He held my hand. Me and Sr were chatting away, kept telling me I’m the superior fighter.”We were just talking, man. He’s a vibe. He’s a vibe. I mean half of it I don’t know, half of it I couldn’t understand what he was trying to say.READ MORE IN BOXING”Then the other half was me in and out of consciousness. Can’t remember much.”Benn, 28, confirmed that Eubank Jr, 35, was only a few beds down from him after they were sent to hospital for precautionary checks.He said: “I mean, it was a bit of a weird turn out, to be honest. It’s like a family affair all of us at the hospital.”Eubank Sr had been vehemently against the second generation bout – which followed three decades after his win and draw over Benn’s dad Nigel.Most read in BoxingEubank 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.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe warned his son’s best days at middleweight were over and Benn should not have been allowed to go up to 160lb. Eubank Jr also missed weight on Friday’s by an agonising 0.05lb – costing him £375,000 – while also being restricted to a 10lb rehydration limit. Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn in classy nods to their iconic dads during ringwalks for huge grudge fightBut – like a scene out of WWE – Eubank Sr did reunite with his boy – sending the 67,000 fans at Spurs’ £1billion stadium wild. And he watched as his severely dehydrated and exhausted son walked away with a famous victory. A rematch clause is included in the contract but even Benn himself could turn it down to instead target welterweight champion Mario Barrios. He said: “If the rematch doesn’t happen I’d love to fight Barrios for the WBC world title, for sure.”I’d love that to be my next fight if it’s not Eubank.”Both men were out of hospital by Monday but Eubank Jr now faces a British Boxing Board of Control investigation just three days after his win. The former super-middleweight world title challenger shared footage of himself using what appeared to be a portable sauna blanket and sweat suit.Both are prohibited under BBBoC rules and although they argue it is not clear when the video was taken – Eubank Jr faces a probe. Benn meanwhile revealed he will fly out to New York to watch Ryan Garcia make his welterweight debut against Rolando Romero. And Benn warned if he does indeed return to the 147lb division for his next fight – it KOs a rematch with Eubank forever. He said: “I’d either do the rematch at 160 next or drop back down to 147 and stay there.Read More on The Sun”I mean, it’s a hard one for me to just accept that he’s beaten me and not avenge the loss. We’ll see but I know the rematch clause is there.”All the terms have been agreed. We shall see.”Eubank Jr beat Benn by unanimous decisionCredit: GettyWBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios is another option for BennCredit: GettyBenn says he will fly out to New York to watch Ryan Garcia fightCredit: Getty More

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    Chris Eubank Jr breaks silence after hospital release with 46-word statement following epic Conor Benn victory

    CHRIS EUBANK JR has spoken out for the first time since being discharged from hospital following his victory over Conor Benn.He left Tottenham’s stadium with a heroic unanimous decision against born rival Benn. Chris Eubank Jr has been discharged from hospitalCredit: ReutersEubank was exhausted during the fightConor Benn is back in trainingCredit: https://x.com/ConorNigelBut Eubank Jr – who failed to make the 160lb middleweight limit and had a 10lb rehydration limit the morning of the bout – was taken to hospital.And just after 11am on Monday morning, Sky Sports reported that Eubank Jr had been discharged from after undergoing medical checks. Benn was also placed in hospital but spoke out on social media too on Monday morning – revealing he was already back training again. At 10.19am, Eubank Jr, 35, posted on social media: “Well it took nearly 3 years but we finally got the job done. READ MORE IN BOXING”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.” Benn, 28, reacted to Eubank being discharged by posting “Great news”, and a hand-clapping emoji.He had already revealed he was back in training despite the gruelling 12-rounder, posting: “Yes, people. Attack the week, make the days count.”School’s never out. Working, learning and staying in shape. The same, really.Most read in Boxing”I watched the fight back. I, personally, have me up a point. I wouldn’t mind a, you know, one point either way.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”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.Conor Benn back in training just 48 hours after brutal fight with Chris Eubank Jr that put both boxers in hospital”Come on, attack the week. Let’s go.”Eubank Jr missed Friday’s 160lb middleweight limit by an agonising 0.05lb – having to fork out a painful £370,000 fine 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. Benn also jumped from his regular 147lb welterweight fighting weight – causing Eubank Sr to slam the grudge match and threaten to boycott it.But Eubank Sr did emotionally reconciled with his son and watched as his eldest walked away with family bragging rights over 12 gruelling rounds. 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.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.Benn said: “Do I avenge the loss or move back to 147lbs and win a world title? If Barrios is watching, I’d love that.”But I feel like I just want to settle this.”Benn’s promoter Eddie Hearn added: “In defeat, he’s become a superstar.”We have to think about what we do next, we’ve seen tonight he’s a world-class fighter and can win world titles.”We’ve got a rematch up at 160lbs but this kid has an unbelievable future and can be a superstar in this country, filling stadiums.Read More on The Sun”I think he can win the rematch but we have to think carefully about what we do because he’s been through an unbelievable amount.”I’d like to see him go back to 147lbs and fight for a world title.”Eubank Jr beat Conor Benn on pointsCredit: Getty More

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    Chris Eubank Jr DISCHARGED from hospital after 36-hour stay having suffered from severe dehydration in Conor Benn epic

    CHRIS EUBANK JR has been discharged from hospital following his bloody victory against Conor Benn.The Brighton boxer was admitted after the fight on Saturday night for checks.Eubank Jr and Benn went toe to toe for 12 brutal roundsCredit: GettyEubank Jr was exhausted during the fight and suffered severe dehydrationCredit: GettyEubank Jr needed medical care following his victoryCredit: ReutersEubank Jr, 35, was in medical care for 36 hours having suffered from severe dehydration.It had been suggested that Eubank’s jaw had been broken during the epic fight by Benn.However, these claims were rubbished.The boxer spent time at the Royal London hospital so his kidneys, brain and heart could be closely monitored.READ MORE ON BOXINGThis came after his dangerous 48-hour weight-cut dehydration tactics with a sweatsuit.He had so little water in his body during the fight that he was unable to sweat.Eubank Jr edged the grudge fight at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in North London.He was named the winner by unanimous decision, with all the judges scoring the fight 116-112 in his favour.Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe boxer has posted on social media this morning with a brief statement.It read: “Well, it took nearly three years, but we finally got the job done.Conor Benn back in training just 48 hours after brutal fight with Chris Eubank Jr that put both boxers in hospital”Big shout out to everyone who supported the fight on Saturday and made it the once-in-a-lifetime event that it was.”Without the fans, none of this is possible, thank you.”Benn, 28, was reunited with Eubank Jr in the hospital as he was taken in for precautionary checks.As it turned out, their beds were only a couple away from each other.It is unclear whether the adversaries spoke.But it is understood that their fathers – Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn, who fought twice in the 1990s – did exchange words.Eubank Sr had made a surprise appearance ahead of the fight after months of distancing himself from the fight and claiming his son was being put in danger by cutting so much weight.Meanwhile, it might not be too long until the boxers meet again in the ring.Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh has suggested that a rematch could happen in September.Benn is already back in training, less than 48 hours after the punishing loss.Read More on The SunHe shared a video of himself jogging on the treadmill on his Instagram and X pages on Monday morning, in which he reflected on his first professional loss.He wrote a lengthy message, telling his followers “attack the week, make the days count”. Benn is back in training alreadyCredit: Credit: X@CONORNIGELEubank shared worrying footage in the build-up to the fight of him traning in a sweatsuitCredit: InstagramEubank 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

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    Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn reunited in hospital… with pair awkwardly sitting two beds apart after gruelling fight

    CHRIS EUBANK JR and Conor Benn were reunited in hospital hours after their brutal grudge match.Eubank Jr triumphed in the ring over Benn via a unanimous decision after Saturday’s gruelling fight at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.Chris Eubank Jr was taken to hospital after his win over Conor BennCredit: GettyBenn spoke to media before he too later joined Eubank JrCredit: GettyBoth fighters were taken to hospital for precautionary checks.Eubank Jr, 35, left the stadium in an ambulance after the fight while Benn, 28, stayed to speak to media afterwards.However, he too was taken to hospital for precautionary checks after the slug fest.And according to the Mirror, the pair found themselves just a couple of beds down from one another during their stays.It is unclear whether the adversaries spoke.But it is understood that their fathers – Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn, who fought twice in the 1990s – did exchange words.Eubank Sr had made a surprise appearance ahead of the fight after months of dismissing any idea of turning up.He had even labelled his son a “disgrace” after slapping Benn with an egg in February.Most read in BoxingBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHowever, he ultimately turned out to support his son in this generational clash.Eubank Sr also joined his son for his ring walk before seeing him slug out a 116-112 three-judge victory.SunSport’s Wally Downes Jr gives his verdict on Chris Eubank Jr’s win over Conor BennTeam Eubank were forced to deny rumours that Eubank Jr had suffered a broken jaw from the fight, with Benn saying: “I wish him well. I know he’s gone to the hospital.”I have heard he’s got a broken jaw do I wish him a speedy recovery.”Eubank’s promoter Ben Shalom said in a statement: “I’m pleased to confirm that Chris is doing well and currently resting. There is no truth to the rumours regarding a broken jaw.”As part of his standard post-fight protocol, Chris went to hospital for precautionary checks to monitor his vitals and ensure everything is in order.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.”They take these measures very seriously, given everything they have experienced in the past. This process is something they now prioritise after every fight.”Chris and Conor gave absolutely everything in what was the biggest legacy fight of all-time.”With their fathers standing proudly behind them, it was a moment that will forever be stamped in sporting history.”SunSport understands Eubank Jr was showing signs of chronic dehydration.Benn had also laid down the gauntlet to say he wanted “revenge” in a rematch.However, a rematch clause had already been agreed ahead of this clash, with a date in September being suggested by Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh.Read More on The SunAlalshikh said: “If they’re not injured and ready, we want the rematch in late September at Tottenham.”The British fans were amazing, and I thank them.”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. CHRIS EUBANK JR VS CONOR BENN LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE GRUDGE MATCH More