By Barry Holbrook: Nigel Benn isn’t buying what Chris Eubank Jr. is saying about his plans to come into the October 8th fight against Conor Benn at 60% capacity at the O2 Arena in London.
Nigel believes Eubank Jr (32-2, 23 KOs) is training hard for the 157-lb catchweight fight with Conor (21-0, 14 KOs), which will be shown on DAZN pay-per-view.
It’s likely that Eubank Jr. is talking about coming into the fight at 60% to have an excuse to tell the boxing public should he lose or look bad winning.
Eubank Jr, 32, who some view as an underachiever, is going to look bad if he loses to the welterweight Benn because he’s got the advantage in experience and size over the 25-year-old.
“The fight is only as big as it is because of the legacy,” said Conor Benn to iFL TV about his October 8th match against Chris Eubank Jr.
“To me, Conor’s career is really only starting now, and I love the way it’s going because the dedication, determination, will to win, he’s got everything,” said Nigel Benn.
“No, because that’s how Conor has done it. He’s treating it like any other fight, and the training hasn’t changed because he’s always training bloody intense anyway. He didn’t have to change anything.
“Now, he’s more mature than the last two fights. He’s just grown. He’s [Eubank Jr a lot like his old man, isn’t he? He’s got to do something different. If he feels he’s got to train 60%, more for him because I know Conor is going to come in 100%.
“I don’t believe he’s coming in at 60%. He’ll be training hard; I know that. To be honest with you, we’re not even thinking about him. He’s done the sparring, he’s done the running,” said Nigel.
“He talks about experience and big occasions and that he’s been there. He’s trying to old man handle me and all that,” said Conor Benn about Eubank Jr.
“Listen, everyone, I’ve fought has had more experience. Algieri had fought Pacquiao and Spence on big occasions and big fights. Everyone I’m going to be fighting from now on will have more experience.
“What am I supposed to do then? Keep fighting the same people I’ve been fighting? When I fight for a world title next year, they’re going to be more experienced,” said Benn.
