Is it time for Chris Eubank Jr. to hang up the gloves? The boxing world is buzzing after Conor Benn's dominant victory over Eubank Jr. in their highly anticipated rematch. But here's where it gets controversial: while some celebrate Benn's triumph, others are calling for Eubank Jr. to retire. Let's dive into the reactions and insights from boxing legends, analysts, and even a few celebrities who weighed in on this explosive bout.
The fight, held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, saw Benn unanimously outclass Eubank Jr., just seven months after Eubank Jr. had secured a win in their first encounter. This time, however, the 36-year-old Eubank Jr. appeared sluggish and unable to mount a serious challenge. And this is the part most people miss: Eubank Jr. was operating under a rehydration clause that limited his weight gain to just 10 pounds, a factor that many believe significantly impacted his performance.
Former world champion Carl Frampton didn't mince words, telling DAZN, 'It was a great performance from Conor, but this might be the time for Chris to call it a day.' Frampton emphasized he wasn't being harsh, just honest. Barry Jones, former WBO super-featherweight champion, echoed this sentiment, noting Eubank Jr.'s visible struggles from the opening round. 'I do think it should be the end for Chris,' Jones said. 'He was flat—whether it was the weight or wear and tear, I think it's the latter.'
Lightweight world champion Shakur Stevenson attributed Eubank Jr.'s performance to being 'weight drained,' a point boxing legend-turned-promoter Oscar De La Hoya also highlighted. 'Eubank never had a chance due to weight drain,' De La Hoya explained on X, offering a tutorial on the physical toll such restrictions can take.
Not everyone agrees Eubank Jr. should retire. WBC cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew, while acknowledging Benn's dominance, believes Eubank Jr. still has something left in the tank. 'Benn's performance would have won 10 times out of 10,' Bellew admitted, but he pointed out that Eubank Jr. tried to rally in rounds seven and eight, even if he couldn't match Benn's timing and rhythm. 'He was out jabbed, outworked, and bullied,' Bellew added, crediting Benn's strategic use of speed and size.
Carl Frampton also noted Benn's emotional control as a key factor in the rematch. 'Benn was controlled with his attacks. He wasn't putting in too much energy,' Frampton observed, contrasting this with Benn's more emotional approach in their first fight.
Even rapper 50 Cent, who walked Eubank Jr. to the ring, called for a trilogy bout. 'What a fight—them boys went to war tonight, they gotta do that again,' he tweeted on X.
But here's the burning question: Should Eubank Jr. retire, or does he have one more fight left in him? And was the rehydration clause the real reason for his lackluster performance, or is Father Time simply catching up? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over!
