Anthony Joshua was feeling patriotic after watching Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn.
Eubank Jr and Benn fought it out in a 12-round all-time British classic brawl at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday night.
Both men give it their absolute all, but it was Eubank Jr who came out victorious as he celebrated with his father, Chris Eubank Sr – who defeated Benn’s dad, Nigel, 35 years ago in Birmingham – after edging a unanimous decision.
Boxing enthusiasts and fans across the world were blown away after the spectacle in north London.
Former world heavyweight champion and Team GB Olympic representative Joshua felt the same way.
“Watching this fight makes me proud to be British,” he wrote on X in the immediate aftermath of the bout.
Several other personalities in the combat sports world offered positive reactions.
Ryan Garcia, who headlines Ring Magazine’s next boxing card in Times Square, New York City, on May 2 against Rolando Romero, said: “Honestly there really isn’t a loser [in] this fight! Head high Conor.”
UFC star Dustin Poirier, who is the last man to fight Conor McGregor, and takes on Max Holloway in July for his final MMA bout, added: “This is a dog fight!”
YouTuber-turned-professional boxer Jake Paul named the fight in his favourite of all time, saying: “My three favorite fights since I started boxing: 1) Taylor Serrano 2 2) Eubank Jr Benn 3) Fury Wilder 3.”
Piers Morgan, who conducted an explosive interview with both Eubank Jr and Benn in the build up to their clash, said: “One of the best fights I’ve seen in years.
“Congrats Benn and Eubank Jr on a thrilling contest. And congrats to Turki Alalshikh on staging an amazing event.”
Ex-boxing world champion Oscar De La Hoya wrote: “Beautiful fight! Both winners!”
And former five-weight world champion Claressa Shields got emotional, as he said: “Conor Benn got some skills! I don’t think he got outskilled, he got out hustled if you ask me.
“But what a man to go up two weight classes and stand up like that. Wow. I don’t know why my eyes are watery but what a fight. How special.”
Eubank Jr was rushed to hospital immediately after his victory and is set to remain there until Monday.
Elsewhere on the card, Anthony Yarde won his trilogy fight with Lyndon Arthur, Liam Smith was beaten by Aaron McKenna, Cheavon Clarke lost a north London derby to Viddal Riley, and Chris Billam-Smith beat Brandon Glanton.
Speaking to talkSPORT after the headline act, Eubank Sr was full of praise for Benn in his reflections of his son’s war.
“I was always going to be here for my son, irrespective of what you thought,” he said.
“Suspense is part of the game. The performance, championship rounds, standing toe to toe.
“The credit I am going to give to Conor – I told you he was a superior fighter, but he shouldn’t be fighting at 160lbs.
“He is a 147lbs fighter. What couldn’t he do around the world? He has been destroyed by the people who are handling him.
“They need to be held to account. Do your job, do your job, do your job!”
Benn’s father, Nigel, beamed with pride despite his son suffering a tough defeat.
He said: “I thought he done really well. He’ll learn a lot from this, he’ll come back stronger.
“We can handle defeat gracefully. Now we go back to the drawing board.”
Eubank Jr and Benn are now expected to rematch, as per the clause inserted into their contracts, with reports suggesting it will take place in October 2025 in the Tottenham ground once again.
