Chris Eubank Jr’s unanimous decision victory over Conor Benn has been underlined by the punch statistics, which show he landed more punches in every round of their 12-round contest at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
According to CompuBox data, Eubank Jr, 35, landed a total of 367 punches from 912 thrown, a connect rate of 40.2 per cent. Benn, 28, landed 215 punches from 593 thrown, connecting at 36.3 per cent.
The round-by-round figures highlight Eubank’s control throughout the fight, with the older man outlanding Benn in all 12 rounds. Even in the early stages, when Benn appeared the quicker and more aggressive fighter, Eubank maintained the higher punch output and greater accuracy.
Eubank’s jab was particularly effective, landing 140 jabs from 350 attempts (40 per cent), while Benn connected with just 35 of 137 jabs thrown (25.5 per cent).
In power punches, the advantage was also with Eubank Jr, who landed 227 from 562 thrown (40.4 per cent), compared to Benn’s 180 from 456 (39.5 per cent).
Despite suffering a cut above his right eye in the ninth round following a clash of heads, Eubank finished strongly. He landed 43, 52 and 57 punches in the final three rounds respectively, compared to Benn’s 40, 30 and 29.
Chris Eubank Jr (right) landed more punches than Conor Benn (left) in each of their 12 rounds
After 12 intense rounds of boxing, all three judges scored the fight 116-112 in Eubank Jr’s favour
All three judges scored the fight 116-112 in favour of Eubank Jr, with the punch stats reflecting his consistent workrate and sharper accuracy across the 36 minutes of action.
Benn had made a fast start, using his speed and aggression to land early shots while Eubank Jr worked cautiously behind his jab. Benn appeared to have the better of the opening exchanges, showing sharp footwork and landing quick combinations as Eubank tried to find his timing.
In the fourth round, Eubank landed his first significant shots, including a clean uppercut that drew a reaction from the crowd. Benn continued to press forward, but Eubank’s jab began to have more success as the fight moved into the middle rounds. A slip by Benn in the fifth round briefly disrupted his momentum, although it appeared to be caused more by his own footwork than by a punch.
The contest became increasingly physical, with both men exchanging body shots on the inside. Eubank found success with left hooks and uppercuts as Benn’s work rate showed the first signs of slowing. However, Benn responded with a big right hand in the eighth round that appeared to trouble Eubank, who was forced to cover up on the ropes as the two traded heavy blows.
Despite the cut above his eye, Eubank fought through fatigue and the flow of blood to stay in the contest. In the final rounds, he began to control the distance more effectively, using the jab to keep Benn at bay and finding openings with uppercuts and body shots. In the 12th round, he landed a decisive left hook that rocked Benn back onto the ropes, prompting a loud response from the crowd. Both fighters threw to the final bell, closing out an exhausting contest that left both visibly spent.
Speaking after the fight, Eubank Jr reflected on the battle and paid tribute to Benn’s performance.
‘I knew I was capable of that. I just needed someone to bring it out of me,’ Eubank said. ‘I did not expect Conor to be the guy to do that. I thought I would break him early. I underestimated him.’
Eubank Jr sustained a big cut above his right eye but fought on to secure an impressive victory
Both fighters’ famous fathers, Nigel Benn (left) and Chris Eubank Sr (right), were ringside
Eubank also acknowledged the influence of his father, Chris Eubank Sr, who was in his corner after making a dramatic entrance earlier in the night.
‘The fact our fathers fought years ago brought out a different spirit and I am happy to have my father with me,’ Eubank Jr added.
‘He needed to be here. All this is because of him.’
It is understood there is a rematch clause in place, with a second meeting between the two likely to take place later this year.
