Chris Eubank Jr has announced he is set to become a father to twin boys, just days before his highly anticipated rematch against Conor Benn at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The news adds a personal dimension to the already charged atmosphere surrounding the second clash between the sons of British boxing legends Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr.
Eubank Jr, who secured a unanimous decision victory in their first encounter at the same venue in April before 67,484 spectators, will be aiming to celebrate the impending arrival of his children with another win on Saturday night.
Taking to X, Eubank Jr shared his excitement: "So yes many of you guessed it. I will soon be joining the dad gang," he wrote.
"Only difference is I’ll be joining as a father of two! Twin boys! I’m so grateful for such a blessing and I will do my absolute best to give them the happiest upbringing I possibly can… just like my old man did for me."
The fight-week activities commenced on Monday, with Benn immediately teasing his rival about his weight during their initial face-off ahead of the second battle.
Their previous bout was preceded by significant drama, as Eubank Jr. missed weight by 0.05lbs, incurring a £375,000 ($500,000) fine as per their contract.
This sum was paid directly to Benn, who subsequently purchased a Rolls-Royce. The weight and a controversial rehydration clause had been a major point of contention before the first fight.
Chris Eubank Sr was initially so angered by the conditions imposed on his son that he refused to be involved, only to make a remarkable U-turn, culminating in a memorable image of father and son arriving together to a thunderous reception.
Despite Eubank Jr’s victory making it 2-0 in the family rivalry, Benn was quick to remind him of his own prize during their London skyscraper gathering on Monday.
"Looking well," Benn remarked. "Bit slim around the cheekbones. I’m slightly hoping you miss weight again, just a little bit. Just a pound. Just a little bit. That would be nice. Nice little gift from you last time. I’m hoping you’re well recovered. Have you got 10 toes? 10 toenails?"
Benn’s reference to Eubank Jr’s toenails stemmed from the 36-year-old’s claim that one fell off due to extreme dehydration after his previous win.
Eubank Jr initiated the pleasantries with a "here we are again" but largely remained silent amidst Benn’s taunts, promising only "one Rolls-Royce" before attention shifts to Tuesday’s grand arrivals in central London.
"We’ve been doing weight slightly different this time," Eubank Jr insisted. "We can’t give you another Rolls. Only one Rolls-Royce for you. Only once."
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