Awkward Encounter at Prestigious Boxing Awards
Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn faced off in an uncomfortable reunion at the Ring Magazine Awards held in New York on Friday evening. The boxing rivals attended the event after receiving nominations for Fight of the Year, stemming from their highly anticipated bout earlier in the year.
The ceremony highlighted their intense rivalry, which persisted through two matches. Surrounded by boxing luminaries, the pair’s interaction drew significant attention from the audience.
Winning the Coveted Award
Announcers revealed that Eubank Jr and Benn secured the Fight of the Year honor, outshining contenders such as Beterbiev vs Bivol II, Inoue vs Cardenas, Mason vs Noakes, and Teraji vs Yuri Akui. Both fighters rose simultaneously upon hearing their names, navigating opposite paths around the central ‘legends’ table to reach the stage.
Seated directly across from each other at the table, they shared space with icons like Lennox Lewis, Bernard Hopkins, Canelo Alvarez, Terence Crawford, and Oleksandr Usyk. This prominent positioning amplified the tension as they converged at the stage steps.
Stage Speeches and Brief Handshake
Eubank Jr arrived first at the podium, addressing the quiet room. “2025 was a big year for me,” he stated. “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.”
As they switched positions, the fighters paused for a firm handshake, locking eyes without words before proceeding. Benn then spoke, expressing gratitude. “I just want to say a big thank you to everyone involved in making the fight happen,” he said. “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.”
Post-Award Interactions
Following their speeches, Eubank Jr and Benn posed for official photos side by side, maintaining a clear distance. While waiting, Eubank Jr thanked Benn for the acknowledgment in his speech, receiving only a brief shrug in response.
They descended the stage separately and returned to their seats without further engagement, continuing to participate in the event independently as proceedings unfolded.
