Conor Benn has mocked Chris Eubank Jr for having "daddy issues" after his father claimed their fight next month is off.
The sons of legendary boxers Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn are scheduled to renew their family rivalry in London on October 8 at a catchweight fight. Eubank's father recently put the fight in jeopardy by claiming his son has pulled out, telling the Daily Mail : "My son's life cannot be put in danger. I've already lost one. It can't happen again". The ring legend was referring to his second eldest son Sebastian who tragically died from a heart attack last year just before his 30th birthday.
Benn has now taken to social media to mock Eubank over his father's comments, posting a picture alongside undefeated middleweight boxer Felix Cash with the caption: "Just sparred 10 rounds. While someone's having daddy issues.". Eubank, who is yet address his father's comments, recently doubled down on his promise to retire from boxing if Benn beats him next month.
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"I said it - if he pulls off a miracle and beats me, I have to retire," he said during an intense face-off with Benn. "So that's a huge pressure. I've never ever said this, ever. An act of God is what it would be for you [Benn] to beat me. I'm always a man of my word, so that's another reason why this is personal - because I love being a fighter, I love the sport of boxing.
'I don't want it to end. If you [Benn] pull off the miracle, I'm going to give you full credit. I'm telling you now, if you were to beat me I give you full credit and I walk away from the sport. So it's not an excuse. I believe it's a physical impossibility that you get anywhere close to me. Prove me wrong."
Both Eubank and Benn go into their grudge fight carrying the pressure of their father's rivalry which dates back to 1990. Over 40,000 people attended Old Trafford to watch the rematch between the two British icons after Eubank Sr won their first meeting by knockout. The rematch ended in a split draw and many fans feel their sons are fulfilling the trilogy fight of the series.
Benn, who is unbeaten in 21 professional fights, admitted that Eubank is the toughest opponent he's faced so far, stating: "There comes a stage in your career when you do take risks and this is that jump. I'm going in there and do exactly what I plan on doing, the same way I've done with every single one of my past opponents. Talk all you want, but talk is cheap when we get in there."