The Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn fight has been in the making for more than two years. A rivalry passed down by their fathers was supposed to culminate in October 2022 at the O2 Arena. However, as The Destroyer failed two voluntary VADA tests for banned substances, the event was called off. Now, as the pair is ready to lock horns on April 26 at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, Mike Tyson is buzzing with excitement.
However, Tyson is at a crossroads. The 58-year-old shares a personal and deep bond with both legends, Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn. Which makes it tough to pick a side. However, boxing is a cruel sport, and only one can be the winner. So, who will Mike Tyson back?
Mike Tyson torn by old friendship
In a recent interview with Men’s Health, the Brooklyn-born boxer highlighted the bond he shares with both boxers. He further claimed that both Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr. have caught his attention. Naturally, Perdita Nouril followed up that confession by asking about the prediction of their upcoming fight. “Well, I like both of them and it should be a very good fight. So may the best man win,” stated Tyson, refusing to pick his side. And who is ever satisfied by a diplomatic answer? So, Nouril probed him again, but Tyson shut it down, claiming, “I’m good friends with their fathers, so I’m not choosing.”
Mike Tyson And Chris Eubank Sr, 1997. @MikeTyson @ChrisEubank pic.twitter.com/7w42BObD5m
— Boxing Daily (@boxingdailycom) March 22, 2017
Both Nigel Benn and Eubank Sr. have admired the youngest heavyweight champion for the longest champion. Especially, Simply the Best, who considers him his personal hero. After his retirement, Eubank Sr. even approached Mike Tyson with an exhibition match proposal. However, the Brooklyn native declined the offer, stating, “Come on man, you’re my friend,” leaving the Londoner quite embarrassed.
Well, there it is. Mike Tyson has refused to choose between his friends’ kids. He is definitely catching the fight live, eager for a sensational showdown. However, despite the hype, the 58-year-old thinks that this event would struggle to capture the attention of boxing fans beyond the UK.
The biggest missed opportunity
While Mike Tyson lauded the dynamic fighting styles of Conor Benn and Eubank Jr., he realizes that people outside of the United Kingdom didn’t really know them, pointing out their limited global appeal. “Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn are both very exciting fighters. I don’t know America would be interested because I don’t think they’re internationally known,” he stated.
Tyson’s words aren’t without their merits and might hold true. It highlights just how big of a missed opportunity their 2022 clash was. At the time, the whole boxing world was buzzing with excitement for this clash and would have garnered far more eyes than it would now. It would have cemented their international profiles.
However, the duo recently grabbed headlines when the IBO middleweight champion smashed an egg on ‘The Destroyer’s’ face during their last press conference. This incident has generated more attention than either of them has seen in years. Will that result in an inflated PPV number? Only time will tell.
However, as Mike Tyson claimed, attracting eyes outside of the United Kingdom will still be a huge ask. What do you think? Let us know your thoughts down below.
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