Chris Eubank Jr: I Was Paid $***** For The Fight! The Night Before, Dad Finally Opened Up!

TL;DR

  • Chris Eubank Jr. defeated Connor Benn in April 2025 in one of the most highly anticipated British boxing matches, silencing critics and proving doubters wrong
  • The night before the fight, Chris Eubank Sr. finally opened up to his son, leading to a reconciliation after years of public conflict and estrangement
  • Chris refused to shake Connor Benn's hand after the fight due to tensions between them, and the fight almost collapsed the night before due to various complications
  • He discusses the real reasons behind his father's public disownment, the impact of losing his younger brother, and how he's raising his nephew as his own
  • The fighter reveals he spent time in hospital after the fight, faced rehydration restrictions, and details the financial compensation he received for the bout
  • Chris addresses failed drug tests, discusses potential rematch scenarios with Benn, and reflects on his career trajectory and future opponents

Key Moments

2:11

How Are You Feeling After the Fight?

12:02

The Night Before the Fight, My Father Finally Opened Up

54:01

How Much Did You Get for the Fight?

1:09:33

The Failed Drug Tests

1:31:44

Who Would Your Next 3 Fights Be?

Episode Recap

Chris Eubank Jr. sits down with Steven Bartlett to recount the incredible journey surrounding one of 2025's most significant boxing matches against Connor Benn. The episode opens with Chris reflecting on the immediate aftermath of his victory, discussing how the fight validated years of hard work despite facing overwhelming skepticism from critics and industry observers. Early in the conversation, Bartlett notices something was physically or emotionally different about Chris on the night of the fight, prompting Chris to detail the various obstacles he overcame in preparation and during the bout itself.

One of the most compelling moments comes when Chris discusses the night before the fight, revealing that his legendary father Chris Eubank Sr. finally broke his silence and opened up in a meaningful way. This conversation proved transformative, leading to a significant reconciliation between father and son after years of public tension and estrangement. Chris explains the roots of their conflict, including the real reasons behind his father's public disownment and how those words impacted his mental health. He candidly discusses whether being called a disgrace by his own father affected him psychologically as he prepared for such a consequential fight.

The episode explores deeply personal territory as Chris reflects on losing his younger brother and discusses his journey raising his nephew as his own son. These emotional elements provided additional motivation and context for his determination inside the ring. Chris addresses several controversial aspects of the fight, including why he refused to shake Connor Benn's hand and reveals that the fight almost collapsed entirely the night before due to unforeseen circumstances.

Technical boxing discussions emerge as Chris details rehydration restrictions he faced and the specific strategies that worked against Benn. He reveals the financial compensation he received for the fight, providing insight into the economics of high-profile boxing matches. The conversation touches on several controversies surrounding the bout, including failed drug tests and speculation about a potential rematch.

Chris also discusses his time spent in hospital following the fight, indicating the physical toll of such an intense competition. He reflects on whether he gained newfound respect for Connor Benn as a competitor despite their personal tensions. The episode concludes with discussions about his walkout, comparisons with other fighters like Billy Joe Saunders, and strategic planning for his next three fights. Personal elements round out the conversation, including Chris sharing details about his life before boxing and his relationship with trainer Frank Smith.

Notable Quotes

He silenced the critics, defied the odds, and walked through fire

The night before, Dad finally opened up to me

I refused to shake his hand because of everything that happened

This fight was about proving something to myself, not just to the world

Raising my nephew as my own has given me a deeper purpose beyond boxing

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