‘Call It a Day’ – Frampton & Bellew Weigh in on Eubank’s Rematch Loss to Conor Benn”

Chris Eubank Jr.’s rematch defeat to Conor Benn has prompted some of boxing’s most respected figures to question the future of the 36-year-old Briton in the sport. After a surprising loss at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium—where Eubank was dominated by Benn, just seven months after winning their first encounter—former world champions Carl Frampton and Barry Jones suggested that it might be time for Eubank to retire.

A One-Sided Affair

The fight ended with a unanimous decision in favor of Conor Benn, with all three judges scoring the bout in his favor. The result was a sharp contrast to their initial meeting, where Eubank had emerged victorious. However, in this highly anticipated rematch, Eubank struggled to mount any meaningful offense against a Benn who seemed to have figured out the puzzle that is Eubank’s boxing style.

Former featherweight champion Carl Frampton was among the first to comment on Eubank’s performance, urging the British boxer to consider calling it a day.

“I’m not trying to be harsh, but this might be the time for Chris to retire,” Frampton said, speaking to DAZN. “It was a great performance from Conor, but if you can’t deal with your opponent after a win like the one Eubank had in their first fight, maybe it’s time to step away.”

Frampton’s comments were echoed by another retired champion, Barry Jones, who also felt that Eubank’s performance showed signs of wear and tear. According to Jones, the 36-year-old appeared sluggish throughout the fight.

“I do think it should be the end for Chris,” Jones remarked. “From the first round, you could see he was flat. It could be the weight cut, or it could just be the wear and tear of a long career. Either way, he didn’t pull the trigger like we know he can. He was lethargic.”

The Weight Cut Issue

One factor discussed during the post-fight analysis was Eubank’s decision to fight at a catchweight. Eubank has traditionally competed at middleweight, but for the rematch with Benn, he was forced to adhere to a strict rehydration clause, preventing him from putting on more than 10lbs on the fight day. Lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson and boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya both weighed in on the weight issue, suggesting it could have played a significant role in Eubank’s lackluster performance.

“I could see Eubank was weight drained,” Stevenson stated, highlighting how it affected Eubank’s ability to perform at his usual level. De La Hoya also supported the idea, writing on social media that Eubank “never had a chance” due to the weight cut.

Bellew’s Contrasting View

While Frampton and Jones seemed to lean toward retirement for Eubank, former WBC cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew took a slightly different view. Bellew acknowledged that Eubank had been outclassed by Benn but stopped short of calling for his retirement.

“Benn was simply too good on the night,” Bellew said. “He outjabbed Eubank, outworked him, and bullied him. He controlled the pace and timing of the fight from the start. It was as convincing and one-sided a win as you’ll ever see.”

Bellew pointed to Eubank’s inability to adjust as a key factor in the outcome. “In rounds seven and eight, he tried to make a push, but it was clear that Benn had already figured him out. Eubank couldn’t work out Benn’s timing or rhythm.”

Bellew also praised Benn’s composure, noting how the younger fighter managed his emotions far better than in their first bout. “Benn’s emotional control made all the difference in this fight,” Bellew said. “He wasn’t overexerting himself, which was a problem in their first fight.”

The Legacy of Chris Eubank Jr.

While the debate continues about Eubank’s future, coach and former boxer Paul Smith offered a more balanced perspective, suggesting that, regardless of the loss, Eubank had a career to be proud of.

“People who didn’t always appreciate Eubank have come around to recognizing the quality he brought to the ring,” Smith said. “He had a great career, and this fight shouldn’t overshadow what he’s accomplished over the years.”

The Road Ahead for Conor Benn

As for Conor Benn, his dominant performance has put him in the spotlight as one of the sport’s rising stars. With his father, Nigel Benn, in attendance, Conor’s victory seems to validate the hype surrounding him. “This was a statement win,” Frampton noted, emphasizing how Benn had matured since their first meeting. “Conor controlled his emotions and fought with intelligence, something we hadn’t seen from him in their first fight.”

Benn’s career appears to be on an upward trajectory, and with a win of this magnitude, the question now becomes whether he will be able to maintain this level of performance against future challenges in the welterweight division.

Looking Forward

As for Eubank, the aftermath of this defeat will undoubtedly lead to many discussions about his next steps. Whether he decides to retire or return to the ring, his legacy in boxing is already well-established. The decision now lies with him: will the defeat to Benn mark the end of an era, or will he attempt to regroup and come back for another run?