Online Reporter
THE epic 35-year family feud is over, and Conor Benn is the last man standing.
The Destroyer put in a clinical and brutal performance at a packed Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last night.
Benn, 29, dominated Chris Eubank Jr from the first bell to the last, securing a wide points decision to level their score at one win apiece.
The judges’ scorecards – 119-107, 116-110, 118-108 – reflected the gulf in class on the night, a gulf punctuated by two heavy knockdowns of Eubank Jr in a dramatic final round.
Having now settled the score, Benn made it clear a trilogy is not on his mind. Benn said in the ring: “It’s been some journey and this is the end of the Benn-Eubank saga.
“Done, finished, it’s over. I know Chris has twins coming and I’ve got my boy, but this ends here.
“This wouldn’t have been what it was without Chris and our dads, most of all. This is generational, this has never been done before in history.
“Credit to Chris, man. That’s all I’ve got to say. Thank you for sharing the ring with me.” Benn’s focus is now on a different legacy—world titles.
THE PRICE OF VICTORY
Victory has cemented Benn as arguably the biggest pay-per-view star in British boxing. The rematch itself was a huge financial event, with the total purse reported to be between £15million and £18m.
Benn’s share of the pot is estimated to be a career-high payday of £7.5m to £8m, matching or even exceeding his rival’s earnings for this fight.
But that figure is set to be dwarfed by his next outing. Having proven he is a major ticket-seller and PPV draw, Benn is now the “A-side.”
Promoters will be lining up to secure his services, and his next fight purse, especially if it’s for a world title, is expected to soar well into eight figures.
He has graduated from a famous son to the new cash machine of the sport.
THE AMERICAN HIT LIST
So, what’s next? Benn was clear: he’s returning to his natural 147lb welterweight division, and he’s “hunting Yanks.”
“All of them can get it, every day of the week and twice on Sundays,” Benn roared to the London crowd.
His team has already identified a clear path to gold.
MARIO BARRIOS (WBC CHAMPION)
This is the name at the top of the list.
Benn and his team have been vocal about their desire to fight for the coveted green belt. After the fight, Benn said: “I feel great, I just want to get back in the gym and back in the ring.
“Mario Barrios for the WBC title.”
Sources have confirmed that “communications” have already taken place with the Barrios camp, with Benn’s team stating a fight is “highly likely” to be next.
THE SUPER-FIGHT MENU: HANEY, GARCIA & ROMERO
If the Barrios fight can’t be made immediately, Benn is spoilt for choice with big-money names.
He specifically called out a trio of America’s biggest stars:
Devin Haney: A masterful technician and fellow new-generation star.
Ryan Garcia: A fellow social media and crossover superstar, guaranteeing a massive PPV audience.
Rolly Romero: A brash, hard-hitting champion who would make for an explosive build-up -Sun.
