Chris Eubank Sr has firmly rejected claims that he received money to attend his son’s bout against Conor Benn, speaking on the Playbook Boxing podcast this week.
The former world champion addressed allegations made by Nigel Benn during a TalkSport interview, stating he did not receive “a cent” for his attendance.
“Whoever told you these lies, they’ve made you now to be a liar,” Eubank Sr he told Benn at a press conference after refusing to embrace his old rival.
The 59-year-old also delivered a stark assessment of his son’s boxing future, declaring: “Junior is shot, he’s spent.”
Chris Eubank Sr insisted he was never paid to attend his son’s fight against Conor Benn
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He insisted that boxing authorities and experts can all recognise this reality.
Eubank Sr revealed the emotional toll of watching his son compete, describing the experience as deeply distressing.
“It is traumatizing. When you have a son, you love him. I may not like some of his ways, but I love him,” he told the podcast, powered by Betway.
The former middleweight champion disclosed that he remained at Junior’s hospital bedside throughout the night following the Benn contest.
He admitted avoiding footage of the fight to protect his mental state, saying: “I try not to watch it because I don’t want to go back into that state of mind.”
Conor Benn put on a masterclass to beat Chris Eubank Jr back in November | REUTERS
Despite their fractured relationship, Eubank Sr maintained his devotion to his son remains unwavering.
The former champion revealed that communication with his son has effectively broken down, suggesting Junior believes he has nothing left to learn.
“You cannot pour riches or wisdom into vessels which think they are full. He thinks he’s full. And what can I do?” Eubank Sr explained.
Eubank Sr also addressed his feud with Benn, saying: “Nigel, man. Life is too short for you not to understand that this game you only win by using the prod, the shield, love, objectivity. I’ve never done anything to you.
“The idea is to win the fight. Raise your standard of living, raise your profile. You can’t hate me, I’ve never done anything to you. And I don’t think I’ve done anything where I would be deserving of hatred.”
When asked whether he worries about his son’s continued involvement in the sport, Eubank Sr responded simply: “Of course.”
He acknowledged the painful reality that offering guidance becomes impossible when it goes unwanted.
Eubank Sr spoke candidly about the sport’s devastating health consequences, revealing his brother Simon died from frontal lobe dementia after a career that saw him suffer 20 defeats against just seven victories.
Eubank Sr and Benn appeared to reignite their rivalry after their sons fought, but Eubank has extended an olive branch
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“This is what happens. Boxing kills you,” he stated bluntly.
The former champion expressed frustration that fighters continue prioritising financial gain over their wellbeing, noting that promoters readily discard boxers who fail to perform.
When asked about gruelling contests such as Fabio Wardley’s clash with Daniel Dubois, he admitted: “They’re worrying me, of course. But what can I do? They don’t listen.”
