Eubank Jr vs Benn – April 26, 2025 London Grudge Match Preview

https://www.tottenhamhotspurstadium.com/whats-on/2025/chris-eubank-jr-vs-conor-benn/

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is set to host a capacity crowd for one of the most anticipated British boxing showdowns in recent memory. On April 26, 2025, second-generation rivals Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn will finally meet in the ring, headlining a DAZN card aptly billed as “Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves.” This event marks the latest chapter in a family feud that began over 30 years ago when their legendary fathers fought two epic battles. Beyond the explosive main event, fans will be treated to a stacked undercard featuring high-stakes bouts with established champions, unbeaten prospects, and even a trilogy grudge match. Below is a full preview of the main event and all confirmed undercard fights, including fighter records, styles, background storylines, and predictions for each matchup.

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Main Event: Chris Eubank Jr. vs Conor Benn (Middleweight Grudge Match)

Chris Eubank Jr. (34-3, 25 KOs) and Conor “The Destroyer” Benn (23-0, 14 KOs) collide in a 12-round middleweight grudge match that has been years in the making. This fight not only pits two unbeaten legacies against each other but also carries the weight of their fathers’ famous rivalry – Chris Eubank Sr. and Nigel Benn fought twice in the early 1990s, with Eubank Sr. winning the first and the rematch declared a draw. The younger Eubank and Benn were originally scheduled to fight in October 2022, but the bout was scrapped at the last minute when Benn failed a drug test for a banned substance (which he infamously attributed to contaminated eggs). After a lengthy hiatus and cleared to compete, Conor Benn now gets his chance to redeem himself and settle unfinished business in the ring.

Styles and Background: At 35 years old, Eubank Jr. is the naturally bigger man – a seasoned middleweight who has also campaigned at super middleweight – while 28-year-old Benn is moving up two weight classes from welterweight for this challenge. Eubank brings experience against top competition (wins over James DeGale, Arthur Abraham, and an avenged loss against Liam Smith) and is known for his endurance, ferocious uppercuts, and high-volume combinations. He has shown a granite chin throughout his career, though that aura was dented when Liam Smith scored a shock TKO over him in early 2023 (which Eubank emphatically avenged in a rematch). In contrast, Conor Benn is an aggressive power-puncher who fights at a frenetic pace. Benn made his name demolishing welterweights with explosive early knockouts – he attacks the body well and loves to swarm opponents with flurries of hooks and overhand rights. However, Benn’s layoff from competition (his last official fight was three years ago) and the jump to 160 lbs are major X-factors. Will his speed and power carry up against a naturally larger, battle-tested foe? Or will ring rust and size disparity hamper the younger fighter’s usually relentless style? These questions add intrigue to an already fiery matchup.

Rivalry and Build-Up: The bad blood between Eubank Jr. and Benn has only intensified in recent weeks. Their press conferences have been heated, featuring face-offs nearly erupting into brawls. In one memorable incident, Eubank provocatively slapped Benn with an actual egg – a taunt referencing Benn’s controversial drug test defense – which nearly caused a melee on stage. Both men clearly carry genuine disdain for each other, fueled by family pride and personal animosity. Benn has repeatedly vowed to “knock Eubank out cold” to avenge his father’s legacy, even predicting a finish inside four rounds. Eubank Jr., supremely confident as ever, has dismissed Benn as “an amateur who isn’t on my level,” and promises to make him pay for the turmoil of 2022. With such pride on the line and emotions running high, expect a crackling atmosphere by the time they touch gloves.

What to Expect: In terms of strategy, Eubank Jr. will likely use his superior jab, size, and inside fighting skills to wear Benn down. He’s comfortable in drawn-out wars and has the better stamina in the later rounds. Benn, on the other hand, will seek to start fast – he’ll try to explode out of the gate, close the distance, and catch Eubank before the bigger man settles into rhythm. Early on, Benn’s hand speed and aggression could trouble Eubank, especially if Eubank starts cautiously as he sometimes does. The longer the fight goes, however, the more it should favor Eubank’s experience and conditioning. One wild card is Eubank’s chin after that KO loss last year – Benn will surely test it with his best power shots. Another factor is weight: Eubank no longer has to drain himself to a catchweight (as he would have in 2022), so he should be at full strength, whereas Benn is venturing into unknown territory at 160 lbs. Prediction: The matchup is compelling, but the odds makers rightly have Eubank Jr. as a slight favorite. After some dangerous moments early, expect Eubank’s poise and size to start dictating the fight. Unless Benn can land a game-changing bomb in the first half, the likely scenario is Eubank Jr. taking over in the middle rounds with sharper boxing and body work. In the end, Eubank’s combination of experience, jab, and superior conditioning should carry him to victory. Eubank Jr. by late stoppage or clear decision is the pick – handing Benn the first defeat of his career in a dramatic showdown.

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Anthony Yarde vs Lyndon Arthur III (Light-Heavyweight Trilogy Fight)

Another fierce rivalry will be settled on this card as Anthony “Beast from the East” Yarde (26-3, 24 KOs) meets Lyndon “King” Arthur (24-2, 16 KOs) in a ten-round light-heavyweight contest – the third encounter between these two British foes. This trilogy bout is years in the making: Arthur upset Yarde by a close 12-round split decision in their first fight back in 2020, before Yarde emphatically evened the score with a fourth-round knockout in the 2021 rematch. Many thought Yarde’s dominant revenge win had closed the chapter, but both fighters now find themselves needing each other again. With Yarde looking to stay relevant in the world title scene after a recent setback, and Arthur seeking redemption and closure, this rubber match is an important crossroads fight for both.

Styles and Background: Anthony Yarde, 33, is an explosive puncher and one of the hardest hitters in the division. The London native has mixed at the highest level – he challenged Sergey Kovalev for a world title in 2019 (nearly scoring a stoppage before being halted late) and more recently took unified champion Artur Beterbiev into the eighth round of a firefight in 2023. Yarde is a dynamic athlete with a muscular build, known for his ferocious hooks and uppercuts; when he lets his hands go, he can overwhelm opponents with power and speed. Lyndon Arthur, also 33, is a technically sound boxer from Manchester who relies on a long jab, solid fundamentals, and ring IQ. In their first fight, Arthur’s sharp jab and patient approach neutralized Yarde’s aggression, earning him a points win. However, in the rematch, Arthur couldn’t keep Yarde off – Yarde amped up the pressure, ripped brutal shots to the body, and broke Arthur down early. The question is which version of each man shows up in this third meeting. Arthur has had to rebuild his career since the loss, picking up a few wins (including capturing the IBO 175 lb title in 2023) to get back in contention. Yarde, after falling short against Beterbiev in a valiant effort, is eager to regain momentum. Both men are 1-1 against each other, and pride is on the line to definitively prove who is superior.

What to Expect: Given the history, Arthur’s best chance is to stick to his boxing – use his 2-inch height advantage (6’2” vs Yarde’s 6’0”) and reach to keep Yarde at bay, pot-shotting with the jab and straight right. Arthur does have respectable power (16 knockouts) but trading with Yarde is a dangerous game. Yarde will look to reprise the aggressive tactics of the second fight: bob and weave past Arthur’s jab, unload heavy combinations to the ribs and head, and not allow Arthur to settle. One factor to watch is Yarde’s mindset – he has openly said he thought this rivalry was “put to bed” and didn’t expect to face Arthur again. If he underestimates Arthur or comes in complacent, the crafty Arthur could surprise him again. However, most signs point to Yarde being the fresher, more ambitious fighter at this stage. Prediction: Expect Yarde to eventually impose his will. Arthur may have moments early with his jab, but Yarde’s superior power and athleticism should turn the tide. In front of a friendly London crowd, Yarde will be determined to make a statement. Look for Anthony Yarde to win by mid-round knockout, sealing the trilogy 2-1 in his favor and potentially setting himself up for another run at a world title shot.

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Liam Smith vs Aaron McKenna (Middleweight Contender Clash)

Former world champion Liam “Beefy” Smith (33-4-1, 20 KOs) takes on unbeaten Irish prospect Aaron “Silencer” McKenna (19-0, 10 KOs) in a compelling 10-round middleweight contest. This fight pits veteran savvy against youthful ambition, and it could prove to be a breakout moment for the winner. Liam Smith, 36, is a well-respected Liverpool fighter from the famous Smith boxing family. A former WBO light-middleweight (154 lb) champion, Smith has shared the ring with elite names: he won his world title in 2015, battled Canelo Álvarez in 2016 (suffering a valiant stoppage loss), and more recently engaged in a high-profile two-fight series with Chris Eubank Jr. in 2023 (knocking Eubank out in the first fight, then losing the rematch). Aaron McKenna, 25, is a rising contender who has been seeking a big-name opponent; he stands 6’1” tall, a rangy middleweight, and has a polished boxing style with an excellent amateur background. McKenna actually had an opportunity to fight for a world title earlier this year – he was in talks to challenge unified champion Janibek Alimkhanuly – but instead chose to take on Liam Smith on this massive card, judging the exposure and experience to be more beneficial at this stage of his career. Now he faces by far the toughest test of his young career in the hardened Smith.

Styles and Storylines: Liam Smith’s style is that of a pressure-fighting technician. He keeps a tight high guard and systematically breaks opponents down with jabs, combination punching, and his trademark left hook to the body. “Beefy” is known for his toughness and excellent inside work – if McKenna allows Smith to get close, he will be made uncomfortable by Smith’s roughhouse tactics and body shots. Smith will also carry confidence knowing he holds a recent stoppage win over the main event fighter Eubank Jr., underscoring his quality. However, questions linger about Smith after his last bout: in the Eubank rematch (September 2023), he took a lot of punishment and was stopped late. After some time off, is Smith still as sharp at 160 lbs, and how much does he have left in the tank at 36? Aaron McKenna fights out of a more classic boxer-puncher mold. He likes to work behind a long jab and straight right hand, using his height and reach to control distance. McKenna can fight on the move and pick opponents apart, but he’s also shown he can sit down on his punches when openings arise (10 knockouts in 19 wins indicates decent power). One subplot here is experience: McKenna has never faced someone as skilled and seasoned as Smith. There could be a stark learning curve once he’s in the ring with a crafty veteran who has seen it all. Conversely, Smith has struggled with fast, mobile boxers in the past (see his loss to Jaime Munguia in 2018 where speed was a factor). If McKenna can use his youth and footwork to outmaneuver Smith, he might trouble the older man.

What to Expect & Prediction: Early rounds will likely be a tactical battle of range. McKenna will try to establish his jab and keep Smith on the outside, while Smith will bob and weave his way into mid-range to let his hands go. Watch for Smith to target McKenna’s body early and often, attempting to slow the younger fighter’s legs. If McKenna handles the pressure and lands sharp counters, his confidence will grow. It’s a classic “young lion vs old lion” scenario – can McKenna announce himself as the next player in the division, or will Smith’s class be too much too soon? This fight could be quite competitive. Smith’s edge in experience and battle-tested grit make him a slight favorite, but McKenna’s physical advantages and hunger cannot be underestimated. Prediction: In a closely contested affair, the pick is Liam Smith to win by decision. He may have to weather some tricky moments against the fresh and rangy McKenna, but Smith’s educated pressure and timing should allow him to land the cleaner shots over ten rounds. Don’t be surprised if McKenna impresses in spurts – even in defeat, the young Irishman could prove he belongs at this level. Conversely, an upset is not out of the question if McKenna executes a flawless game plan, but the safer bet leans toward the veteran pulling through by judges’ scores.

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Chris Billam-Smith vs Brandon Glanton (Cruiserweight Showdown)

In a potential show-stealer, Chris Billam-Smith (20-2, 13 KOs) meets Brandon “Bulletproof” Glanton (20-2, 17 KOs) in a 10-round cruiserweight bout that promises fireworks. Billam-Smith is a former WBO cruiserweight world champion fighting on home soil, while Glanton is a heavy-hitting American contender eager to make a name for himself overseas. This matchup has “fight of the night” written all over it given the crowd-pleasing styles and stakes for both men as they look to climb back toward title contention.

Background: Chris Billam-Smith, 34, hails from Bournemouth, England (not far from London) and is coming off a thrilling but punishing war last November in which he lost his WBO title. He had won the belt by defeating Lawrence Okolie in 2023, but in his first defense he faced former light-heavyweight champ Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez and came up short in a brutal slugfest, losing a decision and his title. Billam-Smith is determined to rebound and prove he’s still among the elite at 200 lbs. At 6’3″ with a solid all-around skill set, “The Gentleman” (as he’s nicknamed) is a boxer-puncher who can brawl when needed. He’s technically sound, employs a stiff jab, and has shown tremendous heart and toughness – in the Ramirez fight he absorbed huge shots for 12 rounds and never stopped coming forward. Brandon Glanton, 33, fights out of California, USA, and is a former American football player turned boxer with a reputation for knockout power. Glanton is built stout at 5’11″ and often comes forward like a freight train, looking to land bombs. He has 17 knockouts in 20 wins and has never been stopped himself. Glanton’s career saw a hiccup in 2022 when he dropped two very close (and disputed) decisions back-to-back – one to David Light and one to Soslan Asbarov – derailing his unbeaten run. However, “Bulletproof” has since bounced back with three straight KO victories, including an impressive 11th-round stoppage of Alexey Egorov last year. Now he steps onto the big stage in London, confident that his power can crack anyone in the division. Notably, Glanton had been calling for a fight with Billam-Smith even when Chris was a reigning champion, and now he finally gets his wish in this non-title bout.

Styles: This fight is expected to be fan-friendly because neither man is likely to take a backward step. Billam-Smith will try to utilize his height and reach advantage (he’s significantly taller and has about a 4-inch reach edge) to box at mid-range and set up combinations. However, being the proud warrior he is, Billam-Smith often doesn’t shy away from a firefight – he’ll trade if pressed. Glanton’s style is straightforward and aggressive: he will look to get inside, unload hooks to the body and head, and test Billam-Smith’s chin with overhand rights. Both have proven durability, so this could become a grueling war of attrition if it goes into the later rounds. One factor to consider is hand speed and technique, where Billam-Smith likely has the edge. Glanton sometimes throws wide punches, whereas Billam-Smith’s shots might arrive quicker and more accurately. On the flip side, Glanton’s pure physical strength could allow him to bully in the clinches or push the pace if Billam-Smith chooses to trade. Conditioning might also play a role – Billam-Smith has gone 12 hard rounds multiple times, whereas Glanton will be in his first high-profile fight abroad, potentially facing jet lag and the pressure of a massive crowd.

What to Expect & Prediction: Look for some tense exchanges early as both men feel out each other’s power. Billam-Smith will aim to establish his jab and test Glanton’s defense, while Glanton will probably wing a few big shots to see how Billam-Smith reacts. The middle rounds could turn into a slugfest if Billam-Smith elects to stand his ground and trade, giving the fans plenty to cheer. Each fighter has vulnerabilities: Billam-Smith was knocked down multiple times (though he rose each time) in his title win against Okolie, so Glanton will believe he can hurt him. Meanwhile, Glanton’s losses suggest that a smart boxer-mover can edge him out, so Billam-Smith might revert to boxing on the outside if brawling gets too risky. This fight could legitimately go either way – it’s a classic matchup of the more skilled technician versus the raw knockout artist. Prediction: In front of his home crowd, and with the experience of high-level fights, Chris Billam-Smith is favored to prevail by decision. Expect a tough, possibly back-and-forth battle, but Billam-Smith’s cleaner punching and ring savvy should earn him the nod on points after 10 exciting rounds. Glanton will have his moments – perhaps rocking the Brit once or twice – but if Billam-Smith can weather the storms, he has the tools to outbox the American down the stretch. A late stoppage by Billam-Smith is also possible if Glanton tires, but the most likely outcome is a hard-fought decision victory for the former champ.

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Viddal Riley vs Cheavon Clarke (British Cruiserweight Title)

Rounding out the main card is a domestic cruiserweight title clash between two up-and-coming UK fighters: Viddal Riley (12-0, 7 KOs) and Cheavon “C4” Clarke (10-1, 7 KOs). The vacant British Cruiserweight Championship (the historic Lonsdale Belt) is on the line, adding prestige to this 10-round contest. This matchup is intriguing as it features two contrasting backstories – Riley is known as a social media star-turned-boxer (he once trained YouTube celebrity KSI) who is now carving out a legitimate career in the ring, while Clarke is a former Great Britain Olympian (Tokyo 2020) with strong amateur pedigree. Both men are looking to take the next big step in their professional journey, and a British title would be a major milestone.

Background and Styles: Viddal Riley, 27, fights out of London and is a fighter many British fans have followed due to his online presence, but he’s proven to be far more than an influencer novelty. At 6’1″ with good athleticism, Riley is a slick southpaw boxer who has honed his fundamentals. He had a slightly unconventional route to this point – balancing YouTube content creation and training KSI for celebrity bouts – but in the last couple of years Riley has focused fully on his own boxing career, signing with promoter Boxxer. In 2024, he impressively outpointed domestic rival Mikael Lawal to win the English title, showcasing his technique and ring IQ. Riley tends to favor using his jab and quick counters, and he’s shown patience in breaking opponents down rather than rushing for knockouts. Cheavon Clarke, 34, was born in Jamaica and raised in England, and he was a standout amateur who competed at the highest international level. As a pro, Clarke has demonstrated explosive power (hence the nickname “C4”), with all 7 of his knockout wins coming inside the first 4 rounds. He’s a stocky, strong fighter who typically comes forward aggressively. Clarke’s pro momentum hit a speed bump in December 2024 when he suffered his first loss – a surprising upset defeat to an unbeaten Frenchman, Leonardo Bruzzese (Mosquea), in a European title fight. Clarke was dropped and outboxed in that bout, indicating some defensive lapses. Now, just a few months later, he’s jumping straight back in against another unbeaten opponent. It will be interesting to see if Clarke has made adjustments from that loss or if the quick turnaround will affect him mentally.

What to Expect: This fight could boil down to whether Riley can out-skill Clarke over the distance, or if Clarke can land his bombs to test Riley’s chin. Riley will likely use a hit-and-move strategy – circling the ring, using lateral movement, and picking spots to engage. Clarke will try to cut off the ring and turn it into a firefight, where his heavier hands could swing the momentum. The early rounds will be especially dangerous for Riley, as Clarke is known to be a fast starter with knockout intentions from the opening bell. If Riley can weather the first few rounds and establish his jab, he should be able to rack up points as Clarke slows down. Neither man has fought beyond 8 rounds as a pro, so endurance in the later rounds is a bit of an unknown. The 27-year-old Riley has youth on his side, while Clarke has the advantage of maturity and perhaps “man strength.” It’s also worth noting that both share a mutual respect – there’s no bitter feud here, just two athletes eager to prove themselves – but once the bell rings, competitiveness takes over, and pride in hoisting the British title will drive them.

Prediction: Given Riley’s smoother boxing skills and Clarke’s recent defeat, the scales tip toward Viddal Riley winning a competitive decision to claim the British cruiserweight crown. Clarke’s power makes him a live underdog throughout, and he could certainly have Riley in trouble if he connects clean. However, Riley has shown good defensive instincts and composure in past fights, and he will likely stick to a disciplined game plan to avoid trading recklessly. As the fight progresses, expect Riley’s sharper accuracy to cumulatively outscore the bigger swings of Clarke. A late stoppage by Riley isn’t out of the question if Clarke’s gas tank empties, but the more probable outcome is a points verdict after 10 rounds. This bout should serve as a valuable learning experience for both men, win or lose – and the winner will not only grab the Lonsdale Belt but also announce himself as a noteworthy player in the cruiserweight ranks.

Bottom Line: The April 26th DAZN event in London is a must-watch for boxing fans, featuring an enticing blend of legacy and legacy-in-the-making. The headline attraction, Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn, carries decades of history and genuine animosity – it’s the kind of grudge match that transcends the sport and captivates the general public. Adding to that, the undercard is stacked with compelling fights: from Yarde and Arthur settling their score, to Liam Smith testing a young gun, to Billam-Smith and Glanton’s slugfest, and a British title up for grabs between cruiserweight hopefuls. It’s rare to see so many significant matchups packed into one night. Come fight night at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, over 60,000 roaring fans will witness closure to old rivalries and the emergence of new storylines. Buckle up for an evening of high drama and high-level boxing – this card has all the ingredients to deliver an unforgettable night. Each fighter has something major at stake, and that usually brings out the very best in them. Fight fans, you won’t want to miss this one. Enjoy the fights and let the best men win.

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