Awkward Encounter at Prestigious Boxing Ceremony
Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn faced off once more in a notably tense moment at the Ring Magazine Awards held in New York on Friday evening. The longtime rivals attended the event after receiving nominations for Fight of the Year, stemming from their highly anticipated bout earlier in the year.
The ceremony recognized their intense matchup, which outshone other contenders including Beterbiev vs Bivol II, Inoue vs Cardenas, Mason vs Noakes, and Teraji vs Yuri Akui. As their names echoed through the ballroom, both fighters rose simultaneously from their seats at the central ‘legends’ table, surrounded by boxing icons such as Lennox Lewis, Bernard Hopkins, Canelo Alvarez, Terence Crawford, and Oleksandr Usyk.
Path to the Stage
Seated directly opposite each other amid these luminaries, Eubank Jr and Benn shared a brief glance before navigating around the table in opposite directions. They walked silently past the gathered champions before meeting at the base of the stage. Eubank Jr ascended first, taking the podium as the audience hushed, while Benn stood a few feet away with arms at his sides.
Eubank Jr addressed the room, stating, ‘2025 was a big year for me. The highest of the highs and the lowest of the lows. As did this man, ironically enough. What we did in April has earned us fight of the year but I think this particular fight will go down in history and be remembered forever. That is all that any fighter can ever really dream to achieve during their career. I am humbled, grateful and proud. Thank you to everyone who was involved in the fight.’
Brief Exchange and Acceptance
After his speech, Eubank Jr stepped back, and the pair crossed paths to switch positions. They paused for a firm, silent handshake, locking eyes without words before continuing. Benn then stepped forward and said, ‘I just want to say a big thank you to everyone involved in making the fight happen. It is a privilege to deliver entertainment for the public for fight of the year and a blessing to be here. A big thank you to everyone involved. Most of all, a big thank you to you Chris. This fight wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for you. It takes two to tango, and you brought that out of me. Credit to you. Thank you guys.’
Following their remarks, the fighters posed together for official photos, standing side by side but maintaining a clear distance. Eubank Jr thanked Benn for the acknowledgment in his speech, receiving only a brief shrug in response. They then descended the stage and returned to their separate seats, avoiding further interaction for the rest of the evening as the awards proceeded.
