‘With all due respect’: Eddie Hearn makes bold claim about the 147-pound division

On Saturday, November 15, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Conor Benn defeated Chris Eubank Jr in their eagerly anticipated middleweight rematch live on DAZN Pay-Per-View.

It was an intriguing fight from start to finish, preceded by an entertaining undercard. Following the memorable victory, Benn’s promoter Eddie Hearn spoke at the post-fight press conference, making it clear what weight Benn is targeting next, while offering a bold take on that division.

Conor Benn defeats Chris Eubank Jr to avenge April loss

Both camps appeared confident in the build-up, but it was Benn (24-1, 14 KOs) who took the ring in the opening round and used his jab effectively to control the distance and tempo. His constant foot feinting also seemed to confuse Eubank and allowed “The Destroyer” to control the early rounds. 

Eubank Jr (35-4, 25 KOs) showed signs of improvement in the third round, but that reprieve was short-lived as Benn continued to control the fight. Eubank Jr needed a miracle as the fight reached the championship rounds, but Benn stayed disciplined under the close eye of his corner, led by Tony Sims.

The final round saw Benn increase the tempo and knock Eubank Jr down twice as he chased a stoppage, but the bravery of the 36-year-old helped him survive until the final bell. The scorecards confirmed the inevitable, with Benn winning by unanimous decision (119-107, 118-108, 116-110). The less said about John Latham’s 116-110 scorecards, the better. The rightful winner had his hand raised. 

In the build-up to the fight, Benn made it clear he intended to return to welterweight, and Eddie Hearn confirmed that in the post-fight press conference, while declaring his fighter the star of that division.

Eddie Hearn gives bold verdict on Conor Benn’s next move

Discussing Benn’s standing in the 147 division as he targets a return to the weight class, and reflecting on his win over Eubank Jr and the effects of the first fight, Hearn said:

“I mean, with all due respect to Haney, Norman, Rolly Romero, Lewis Crocker, who we represent, this (Conor Benn) is the star of the 147-pound division. This is the money of the division. That’s why everyone’s calling him out. So we’re gonna be just fine. 

“You know, the performance tonight was unbelievable. It didn’t matter if Eubank was better tonight; we were still winning the fight. But that first fight, when you go through a fight like that, it can change you forever. But it didn’t change Conor Benn; it just made him better,” added Hearn.