After more than two years of trash talking and controversy out of the ring, Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn finally step between the ropes on Saturday night.
The British rivals were set to fight in October 2022 but the bout was called off during fight week after Benn failed two voluntary drugs tests.
That has only added to the bad blood between the pair and that escalated further in February when Eubank slapped Benn with an egg during a face-off at a press conference.
This fight is being fought at the 160lbs middleweight limit, meaning Benn is moving up two weight divisions and Eubank must cut weight, while also being limited by a rehydration clause on the day of the fight.
The natural size advantage would point to Eubank having the edge, but it remains to be seen what impact making weight has on the 35-year-old.
Some of the biggest names in the sport have had their say on the fight, which will take place in front of a sold-out crowd at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Tyson Fury:
"It’s a weight category thing.
"If it’s 10.5 stone it’s going to be Conor Benn. If it’s at middleweight then probably Chris Eubank Jr."
Barry McGuigan:
“It’s such an evenly balanced fight. I would say chances are that Benn can win it early, but if it goes beyond the halfway stage you’ve got to make Eubank a strong favourite.
“So I’m sitting on the fence... unfortunately I can’t pick a winner but it’s that type of fight.”
Kell Brook:
“My personal prediction is Eubank to win. I just think that his size and he’s been at a better level, I do favour him.
“But the early rounds, he’s got a firecracker on his hands in Conor Benn, who’s come to knock Eubank out. Don’t blink in this fight.”
Joe Calzaghe:
“I think it’s a tough one to call.
"Talent-wise I think they’re on the same sort of level but size normally size wins fights, so I sort of edge with Eubank as he’s the bigger guy naturally.”
Ricky Hatton:
“Chris has to boil down that little bit extra, that will help Conor. Cause I know him personally, I just know the desire, the self-belief, the drive that he has.
“He will not be denied, like his dad. Chris has been stopped. When the fight with Conor fell through he fought Liam. He’d been boiling himself down and I think that’s why he got knocked out, which is what he’s doing again.
“So I’m gonna go with my mate Conor.”
Amir Khan:
“Conor Benn will be in safe hands, because Eubank’s not the biggest puncher. He’s very technical, but I think Conor might actually be the bigger puncher in that fight by putting a bit of weight on. So I think it’s very evenly matched, a good fight for both fighters.
“I’d say it’s 60–40 in favour of Eubank just because of the weight, the height, and the size. But listen, anything can happen in boxing. Conor Benn could start fast and could go straight in and knock him out early.”
Carl Froch:
“Conor Benn has done nothing. Nothing, Yes he knocked out Chris Algieri who is a former champ and looked good doing it but it was a way past his best Algieri.
“If I’m going to pick my immediate favourite in this fight, I’m going with Chris Eubank Jr.”
