Chris Eubank Jr. Conner Benn 2 Final Press Conference

Middleweights Chris Eubank Jr. (35-3, 25 KOs) and Conor Benn (23-1, 14 KOs) held their final press conference ahead of ‘The Ring: Unfinished Business’, as the two square off in their rematch to headline from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, November 15, live on DAZN PPV 

Chris Eubank Jnr.

On whether he had any idea of what he was signing up for…

“I had no idea that I would be sitting in front of you guys today with this man [Chris Eubank Snr.] by my side. I found out a couple of hours ago, so I’m just as shocked as you all. I still don’t know what he might say, what he might do…I’m sure it will be interesting. All jokes aside, there is something I need to address first and foremost. Eddie Hearn, Conor Benn, Nigel Benn – over the last few months have been making accusations and claims that my father was paid to come to the fight in April. Just barefaced lies and anyone with a brain knows it’s not true, but I still have to address it because it’s extremely disrespectful to my father and myself. I also think it’s pretty disrespectful to the Saudis to claim that they would pay my father to do that. I’d just like to get that out into the open, staking my claim once and for all as that that never happened, and for these men to stop lying to the public.”

On what sort of lift his father provides…

“I’m not here to talk about my feelings or my emotions. I’m here to talk about things that are bothering me and that I think I should shine a light on, just as I always do at these press conferences. There’s a small issue – well it’s not a small issue, it’s actually a very big issue to me – the head of my security since 2014, a man by the name of Ivan, has been black balled and blocked from coming to this fight by Eddie Hearn and Matchroom because of a released report about the stoppage of my ambulance, which I don’t think is fair and I don’t think it’s correct that a man who is simply doing his job and telling the truth is blackballed by the powers that be. So I wanted to put that out there, because if it can happen to him, it can happen to anybody – these people are controlling the industry. They’re making jokes about it, but it’s a guy’s livelihood on the line. And I don’t think it’s fair, so I’m putting that out there for the world to know and something needs to be done about it.”

On what comes of Conor Benn’s career if all goes to plan on Saturday…

“This is not about what happens next. I’m going to go in there and I’m going to show the world who I am again. After that, who knows what will happen next – I can’t tell you what this guy’s [Conor Benn] going to do next. He’ll tell you all these stories about all these different fights he’s going to have and that’s great. I’m not worried about any of that. I’m worried about going out there in a couple of days and making history again, which I will do.”

On his final word before Saturday…

“The procedure will be parliamentary.”

Chris Eubank Snr.

On why it was important for him to be at this press conference with his son…

“He [Chris Eubank Jnr.] is doing the weight, so I’m here to support just in case there are those who want to bark. So I guess I'm actually here to protect him. I should say, in regards to the love of a son…If a father takes money, there’s nothing with it. But for the father who doesn’t take money and has taken no money – none. Then that is to be studied. Study that. You can’t pay me anything. I’m here for heart and love. Remember, what I’ve lived by through my career and what’s made me do. What it’s made me do is that I’ve lived with and behaved with patience, kindness. I’ve never envied. I don’t boost. I’m not proud. I’m not rude. I’m not self-seeking. I’m not easily angered and I keep no record of wrong. That’s why I continuously win because I live by the statutes of the spirit. The consciousness of Christ. Whoever said I was paid whatever sum of money, they lied to you. And you actually spouting what they told you makes you a liar. So expose who told you that lie in order to actually clear your name otherwise who in the future is going to believe you of anything you say. I’ve always walked the straight line. I fought the good fight, finished the race and I kept the faith. Now, there is in store for me the crown of righteousness and the Lord, the righteous judge will award to me on that day that crown of righteousness. And not only for me, but also to all who have longed for his appearance. I speak in my woke truth. Nothing bad. That’s the only way you become a true entertainer that lasts.”

On Chris Eubank Jnr.’s first fight against Conor Benn…

“I have spoken.”

Brian McIntyre, Chris Eubank Jnr.’s Trainer

On why he thinks Chris can win easier this time…

“I just believe in Chris’ skillset and his will. Chris wants to win and he’s got that killer instinct. Once you get a fighter like that, it’s easy to work with him.”

On whether or not he can do it within the distance this time…

“Like I always say, I don’t go out there trying to push guys to go for the knockout. I go out there and make these guys try to go for the win. That said, if the knockout is there, we’ll get it.”

Conor Benn

On what he has learned about himself and why this world is a world for Conor Benn

“When I first turned pro, I didn't envision being here, of course. Definitely not sitting next to Chris [Eubank Jnr.] and fighting Chris. We were both in different stages of our careers when we first turned over, or when I first turned over anyway. For us to be sitting here, it’s legacy and it’s generational. I didn’t choose this life, it sort of just fell into place and here I am, the fighter I am, I like to fight, it’s what I do. My dad’s got eight kids and I’m the one who’s chosen to live this life.”

On if he’s happy to see Chris Eubank Snr. here…

“It’s good to have him here. Sitting at the top table having my dad here and [Eubank] Snr. here, it was always meant to be, and it was meant to be the first time around. We are where we are because of our dads. Yes, we had to work hard, but credit Snr. and to my old man that me and Jnr. can sit here and carry this on.”

On what makes him feel he took Chris Eubank Jnr.’s soul in the last fight…

“He was in the hospital for three days. I was back in the gym, he threw double the amount of punches and I was back in the gym on Sunday. Talk about the most damage done in the fight, I believe I inflicted a lot more pain. His work rate was incredible, his resilience, his strength, his spirit, his athleticism, his experience – he really took me by surprise, and he’s a better fighter than I thought he was. I’m ready to take what’s left on Saturday.”

“I think once you learn about Chris [Eubank Jnr.], you learn to understand he is just the way he is, but he genuinely has my respect as a fighter. Resilient. I thought I’d knock you [Eubank Jnr.] out in three rounds, but I didn’t. I tip my hat off to you, because we’re both sitting here – we didn’t have to. We didn’t choose this life. We’re both here putting it all on the line, pouring our hearts out, so I tip my hat off to you. I don’t like you though.”

“This is my last fight at 160 pounds. I hope everyone enjoys, but I will be dropping down to 147 pounds. I’ll drop back down and pursue my career to win a World Title. I’m glad I could give you all this fantasy fight, and me showing a pair of bollocks to jump up two weights to fight you [Eubank Jnr.].”

On how he wins on Saturday night…

“If you asked me this question six months ago, I would have been the only guy to render him unconscious and knock him out. Don’t get me wrong, I dream about it, but I’m going to go in there and give it a calculated performance. I think everybody knows I love to fight. It’s inevitable. I love fighting. It’s who I am and it’s in my DNA. Any fight I’ve had I put on a performance for the public, and that’s my prize – giving people value for money. I’m here, I’m not trying to nick a fight on points or just trying to win. I’m here to give people value for money and entertainment. But ultimately, my priority is to go in there and get the win. That’s my priority. However, that comes and however it looks.”

Nigel Benn

On how it makes him feel sitting across from his biggest rival…

“How does it feel? Water running down my back. Nothing. It’s not even about me. It’s about my son and Chris [Eubank ] Jnr. I'm not really paying attention to what he says. It's just goes over my head. I’m not even really just taking it all on board. Not at all. If we’re here to talk about a fight, that’s what I’m here to talk about – my son fighting, nothing else. Not about what he’s done or what he hasn’t done. It doesn't bother me.”

On facing off with Chris Eubank Snr…

“I don’t mind having a face-off with him all day long. But it’s not about us. We’ve had our past. It’s about [Chris Eubank] Jnr. and Conor [Benn], and the fight. That’s all I want to talk about. I don't want to talk about anything else. We know what’s what, we know what’s true, we know what lies are. I’m here to support my son and I’ve been watching my son train hard. In the first fight, everyone was saying ‘what a great fight,’ but you know what, Conor was throwing punches from South Africa, Germany, all over the place. That wasn't boxing. It was a good fight, but it wasn't boxing. It wasn't what we know Conor can do. I’ve seen what Conor can do. If he sticks to his game plan, he will have victory early doors. I believe that, I’ve been seeing him spar. What’s really good about this fight for me, is Conor’s mindset. That’s the most important thing because he’s always been an unbelievable trainer. Me, as a world champion, my fitness is here, Conor’s is completely on another level, so it was never about his fitness, it was all about his mindset. The team we have behind him, have all – because of Conor – been relaxed. Not one bit of stress like we’ve had in the last fight. No stress whatsoever. I know we’re going to get the victory. I’m 100% sure of that. Regardless of what they say, Conor had him in more trouble than he ever had Conor. The difference is once Conor takes his time and does what he knows he can do, we’ll be victorious, early doors.”

Tony Sims, Conor Benn’s Trainer

On his counter to Brian McIntyre’s claim that Chris can win easier this time…

“Look, the first fight was a tremendous fight for the fans and I don't know how much skillset was involved in that fight, but it was certainly, as they say, a fight of the year contender. I believe that Conor’s [Benn] been able to make adjustments for this fight and I believe he has done it with energy and he’s worked really hard to make those adjustments. I don’t think we’ve really seen the finest of Conor yet. I believe that he’s got a higher IQ when he’s in the ring and a higher skillset, and I believe Saturday night when he comes in the ring he will show that.”

On how he sees Conor Benn winning this fight…

“I believe in the adjustments he’s made for this fight and the way that I know Conor can fight. Obviously, I’ve been with him from the start and he’s been set to win this fight consistently.”

Jack Catterall

On not being pleased with his performances and if people can expect a different version of him…

“That’s all in the past. I’m focused on Saturday. I’ve prepared well and prepared hard, made many sacrifices, so I’m switched on and ready to do my job on Saturday night.”

On what is at stake on Saturday…

“There are some great fights to be made, but that is all irrelevant now. We’ve both got to fight Saturday and that is all I am focused on. Ekow [Essuman] is a good fighter, but he doesn’t bring anything I have not seen before.”

Ekow Essuman

On what the fight with Jack Catterall will represent in his story…

“Awkward customer. Tricky character, but I can be trickier. I’m looking forward to it.”

On what makes him a better fighter and why he will win…

“Everyone just knows me by the engine. They don’t know me by the spectre. They don’t know about my alter ego. So, when we get into the ring come Saturday, you're going to see a world-class performance where I show that statement performance to everyone on the world stage and they see exactly who I am.”

On if a win against Jack Catterall will take him to that World Title…

“When I win, it will.”

On his final words to Jack Catterall…

“Jack Catterall has never seen my version of beautiful violence, so it’s going to be a good fight.”

Adam Azim

On what he makes of Kurt Scoby’s energy during fight week…

“These Americans love to talk, but I’m cool and calm.”

“He’s like a little kid that comes home from school. I’m very confident and he’ll see on Saturday.”

On if Kurt Scoby has wound him up heading into Saturday…

“I’m not wound up, I’m very calm. I’ll show him in the ring. I’ll beat his a** then beat Devin Haney – his boy.”

On his final prediction ahead of Saturday night…

“He’s going to get a proper demolition on Saturday night. I believe in myself.”

Kurt Scoby

On what the fans and Adam Azim will find out on Saturday night…

“All week I’ve said I don’t play boxing. I’ve let it be known that I’m here for business. I prepared myself my whole life, struggled my whole life, but I’m ready for this moment.”

On if he thinks he’s succeeded in making Adam Azim uncomfortable…

“I think we did very well.”

On his final prediction for Saturday night…

“I’m going to pin his a**.”

Richard Riakporhe

On what he means by this fight being about legacy, discipline, and purpose…

“The journey's been a long journey for me to be on the stage, competing on these big shows. A lot of people don’t know but pre-COVID, things were very different. To get on this big stage you have to win some big fights. The journey continues and we want to get one more title – a heavyweight – so we're working towards that. I’m looking forward to putting on a dominant performance on Saturday.”

On his response to Team Welch commenting that moving up to heavyweight was not a wise idea…

“Everybody has their own opinion, it doesn't mean anything to me. It’s all about results and the results will speak for themselves.”

On how he wants to win the fight on Saturday…

“I don’t think it is going to last very long, to be honest. Just tune in, everyone is going to like it. I have been working for this, and I am looking to entertain. We are ready.”

Tommy Welch

On calling himself a nobody in the buildup and what everyone will find out about him on Saturday Night…

“I think he’s [Richard Riakporhe] moved up at the wrong time. He fell to a cruiserweight against Chris Billiam-Smith who’s in the building. He went missing for a little while by all accounts. He’s trying to reinvent himself now at heavyweight. I’ve been here for a long time and it’s been quite hard to get on the scene. It seems like the game has changed. You have to be popular, you have to be famous, you have to put a lot of bums on seats and I haven't had anyone helping me with that, so the fact that I’m here, it’s a nice opening for me. This isn't Richard's downfall on Saturday night, this is my arrival. I’m probably the only one that hasn't feared him. I’ve been calling him out for the last 10 months…I want him. He’s come up to my weight in my division. On Saturday Night, the midnight train is taking the last bus home.”

Sam Gilley

On what it means to be fighting in the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as a Tottenham fan…

“I’ve waited a long time to fight for this British title, and the fact that it’s ended up being at Spurs is special. I mean, being a Spurs fan, it’s usually quite a painful weekend, so I’m looking forward to having a bit of fun and getting a win.”

On why Ishmael Davis won’t beat him on Saturday…

“Listen, it is respectful, it’s just work for us at the end of the day. I just believe with every bit of me that this is what the last couple of years, all the disappointments, have led to this. This is just my moment to show how good I am and what level I’m at.”

Ishmael Davis

On why he’s never let setbacks derail him…

“I just believe you have to keep going in life. I know the level of boxing that I can get to and I feel like I’m owed a belt. But that’s in the past and now it’s time to get the British Title and Commonwealth Title. You know, I’ve heard him [Sam Gilley] say he says he wants to win the British title since he was a kid. I hope he does win it, but Saturday won’t be his night.”

On how he’ll leave with the belt on Saturday…

“Everyone knows what I bring. We know what Sam [Gilley] brings. I’m going to be in there like a steam machine on Saturday, but get ready for a good fight and I’ll do what I do best.”

Mikie Tallon

On what this opportunity and moment means to him…

“To come off a great winner from the Canelo vs. Crawford card, and now fighting on the Eubank Jnr. vs. Benn card, it doesn't get much bigger in the UK, so I'm really grateful.”

On how much it’s about leaving Tottenham with a victory and good performance…

“It means a lot. That’s all I’m here to do.”

Fezan Shahid

On how he feels on his boxing journey after coming such a long way…

“I’m just grateful for this occasion. Obviously, I’m a massive underdog for this fight. I’ve got nothing to lose but everything to gain. I’m just happy to be here.”

On what his plans are for Saturday night…

“Like you said, he’s [Mikie Tallon] the favorite, so hopefully I have a big performance and go from there.”

Ben Shalom, Founder & CEO, BOXXER

On why Eubank Jnr. beats Benn for the second time on Saturday night…

“What an occasion we have again. It feels like the Chris Eubank Jnr. show all over again and a family rivalry that has gone on for a long time. This is a generational fight with generational stakes for Chris Eubank Jnr. and this is the moment he cements himself as a great in British boxing. For the attention he brings to the sport, this is the seventh fight that I’ve promoted with him and every single one is a spectacle – this one is no different. It’s a huge moment, we know the fights beyond this, the names beyond this, the big nights we want to bring to this country [United Kingdom] and back to stadiums, but it only happens with a statement performance on Saturday night. I believe that’s what we’ll get.”

What it means to be involved…

“It’s incredible to be sat up here and see the scale of this again, it doesn’t happen very often and it will be a huge night for Chris Eubank Jnr. on Saturday, but it will also be a very good night for our guys on the undercard. Obviously, Adam Azim, who we believe is a generational talent, takes on Kurt Scoby who has been loud all week. This is the test that he needs, he is looking jacked, he’s looking big, but this is a perfect opportunity for Adam Azim to see and show how good he is. All the talk before the fight, there won’t be any talk after the fight.”

“Richard Riakporhe returns – he’s been to the top of the cruiserweight division with us for a long time, always felt like he wasn’t right at the weight, like there was another gear to go. And now at heavyweight, he takes on Tommy Welch, who deserves a lot of credit, stepping up the heavyweight in a big clash – it is a test that they wanted. The winner will go on to big things, but an incredible undercard.”

On what to expect from Richard Riakporhe in this chapter…

“The best is yet to come, something that Richard has been waiting for for a long time. He had to wait a long time to fight for the World Title at the cruiserweight division, and then it was moving up straight away. It’s a test, it is a big show, fair play to Tommy [Welch] for taking this. He’ll be wanting to follow in his dad’s footsteps. It’s as much of a big night for him as it is for Richard. But Richard looks at that British domestic heavyweight scene, and he wants to get in amongst it. He wants those big names, he wants the big fights, and a win on Saturday night. That’s what he’ll get.”

On what he believes is working with Adam Azim…

“Oh, he’s scary. I mean, credit to Adam, but he said he’d take on anyone at late notice. I think Kurt Scoby’s a perfect opponent. He’s a perfect opponent to establish his name on the world scene. A lot of people talk very well of Kurt. I know he's been keeping fit, I know he’s been keeping active. Plus, he looks the part and talks the part, which is exactly what Adam Azim needs. I know it’s going to be an emphatic statement on Saturday night. This is the moment that Adam’s been waiting for, a breakout moment on the world scene, and I know Scoby’s gonna give him just that.”

Eddie Hearn, Promoter, Matchroom Boxing

On what it means to be promoting Chris Eubank Jnr. vs. Conor Benn again...

[Holding up signs reading] “Good evening all! I know it upsets Chris when I speak. So I’ve taken a new approach. Thank you to his excellency for his continued support. Last April, we witnessed a British classic. Both men gave us a fight we will never forget. But for now, let me just say… Just because it’s fight week (and we always tell the truth). To me, Conor Benn is perfect. He’s ready for the performance of his career. So, get ready for another epic war. Make sure you all tune in– live worldwide on DAZN.”

On what Saturday night means…

“You see the scale and the size of this event. DAZN has established themselves as the global home of boxing, and we know this event is exclusively live on the platform.

“In terms of the main event, this is an unbelievable card. In terms of the undercard, from our guys, the man to my left, should have been the undisputed champion at 140 pounds. What a fight against Ekow Essuman, you saw him end the career of Josh Taylor. This is Matchroom against Queensbury, a domestic matchup that could outsell any arena in the UK. Getting another golden opportunity to fight a great fighter in Sam Gilley, another domestic fight for the British title. This is what dreams are made of.”

On the pressure on Ishmael Davis on Saturday night…

“Ishmael [Davis] has had a lot of great opportunities. He’s also taken a lot of tough fights on short notice, but there’s nothing to say other than he must win this fight on Saturday night – this is the absolute last chance to loon, to take one of these chances. He’s a great fighter, he’s worked his socks off, but Sam’s [Gilley] a great fighter as well. This is a great domestic matchup and a must-win for our man, and we believe he’ll get the job done.”

On the big fight between Jack Catterall and Ekow Essuman, and what’s at stake for the winner…

“A world title shot. They are both tremendous fighters. It’s great to see a domestic fight at the world level. Ekow is coming off a great win. We all know Jack Catterall should have been the undisputed champion, but that’s in the past now. I think you’re going to see a career-best performance. The stars are going to clash perfectly. The last time out was a bit of a clash of the wrong stars with Jack. Ekow Essuman loves to fight and loves to come forward. Jack is going to produce what I think is a career-best performance in what I think will be a domestic classic on this brilliant card.”

For additional information, please visit DAZN.com/boxing.