Joshua vs Breazeale: Nigel Benn hits back at Chris Eubank Sr
Thursday 23 June 2016 20:38, UK
Nigel Benn has hit back at old rival Chris Eubank Sr over the row with his son Conor Benn at Wednesday's press conference.
Conor, who fights on the undercard of Anthony Joshua v Dominic Breazeale on Saturday, reacted angrily to Eubank claiming 'The Dark Destroyer' should play a more active a role in his son's career in order to prevent him from falling into the pitfalls of womanising and drug abuse.
Now Benn Sr, who is based in Australia and has returned there ahead of Conor's third professional bout, has also issued a damning verdict of Eubank Sr's behaviour and believes he is far too overbearing towards his own son, Chris Eubank Jr.
Benn exclusively told Sky Sports: "I don't know why he went into my past. Hold on a minute Chris. Who are you to tell me how to bring up my kids? Conor's been brought up well and he's nothing like me. He's his own man.
Maybe Chris Jr likes all this but what is Eubank doing up there, taking the limelight away from his son and speaking for him? You worry about your son and I'll worry about my son.
"Maybe Chris Jr likes all this but what is Eubank doing up there, taking the limelight away from his son and speaking for him? You worry about your son and I'll worry about my son.
"We were meant to be talking to him about our fight. I've emailed, texted him and tried calling and nothing; yet he wants to pass comment on my son. Sorry but he's an idiot - he really is.
"His words mean nothing to me. It's like water off a duck's back. I know Conor. I would say only three things to him. One - Don't go sleeping around like I did. Two - Don't do drugs. Three - Go to church and have a blessed life. That's it.
"If he's ever in trouble, he can pick up the phone and talk to me. I'm not going to try and dictate to my son because he's very mature. He lived with us for 18 years. He's over there like a kid in the sweet shop at the moment and I'm not going to put a dampener on it.
"I've got my other children who are six and 11 and me and my wife have other commitments with voluntary work. I let Conor do what he's got to do and I'm not going to get in his face because I feel very comfortable with what Conor wants to do. If he needs help, I'll be there for my son.
"I've known Conor's trainer Tony Sims since before Conor was born and he's one of the trainers I like. He's a good man. We talk about things and if I have to something to say, I can say it.
"I actually like Chris Eubank Jr and I think he's going to go all the way. I'm not going to get in his grill and tell him what he's doing wrong. I've got nothing negative about it. I don't want that bad atmosphere with each other - that needs to die with us."
Conor received criticism from some quarters for his over-exuberance in his last fight, in which he was taken the distance by Luke Keleher at The O2, but the youngster remains one of the most well-supported prospects in British boxing.
His father admits that as 'The Destroyer' is still just 19, there are bound to be areas to refine and is under no doubt that we are yet to see the best of him technically.
Benn added: "You couldn't teach me to fight. I always knew how to fight. I needed someone to tell me how to bob and weave, hold and use my jab. I never really learned my trade until later on. Conor is different because he can already box. He can also bang and fight.
"Conor let his emotion get to him because the bloke got to him on social media. I saw him come out and I knew he'd lost the plot because the guy got to him. In my day, we didn't have social media so he's got to learn that way."
Watch Chris Eubank Jr vs Tom Doran and Conor Benn vs Lukas Radic, as part of Joshua vs Breazeale, live on Sky Sports Box Office from The O2, on June 25. Book the event via your Sky remote or online here.
