Chris Eubank Jr beats Conor Benn in controversial fashion as rivals produce epic fight

honoured his family name with a thrilling victory over , three decades after their fathers played out one of British boxing's greatest rivalries. Neither man gave an inch over 12 punishing rounds, with the unanimous decision eventually going in favour of the more experienced fighter. Some were left surprised by the margin of victory, given how close it was throughout.

The historic bout took place after a chaotic build-up, which saw eggs smashed in faces and family feuds laid out in the public eye. Perhaps the biggest twist of all took place on fight night, when Eubank Jr was joined by his father who only a few days earlier. For the ring walks, both men were accompanied by their famous family members, who shared a warm embrace before the first bell.

After a tense staredown and refusal to touch gloves, the fight began and the pent-up aggression was unshackled. Benn looked sharper than his opponent and landed more meaningful blows in the opening exchanges.

Eubank was reluctant to work his jab, allowing Benn to stay within range and pick his shots. He landed heavily with a ferocious one-two at the start of round three but Eubank came out swinging in the fourth, reeling off a couple of clever combinations.

It was at this point that Eubank began to take the centre of the ring, dictating the pace and forcing Benn to wait for opportunities.

More powerful exchanges followed as both men ramped up the aggression. Eubank was having more joy than his opposite number but Benn battled back in round nine, with the fight sitting on a knife-edge.

The pace refused to let up heading into the championship rounds with the two rivals still determined to knock each other out. A brutal left hook from Benn staggered Eubank as they traded heavy blows against the ropes, but there was no finish to be found.

With everything still to play for, both fighters unleashed all they had in search of a late stoppage. Benn was hurt by a swinging right hand in the dying seconds and it looked as though Eubank was one punch away from victory at the final bell.

It meant the scorecards decided the outcome of a momentous fight, in which nothing was left on either side of the table. Eubank was the man lifting his arms at the end of it all, with all three judges scoring it 116-112 in favour of the winner.

Eddie Hearn, who promotes Benn, was among those to question the margin of victory. : "It is what it is. I don't see Chris Eubank winning that fight by four rounds at all. But forget that, just unbelievable respect for both men.

"I could not be prouder of Conor Benn for what he's been through and the heart he showed in the ring tonight. Nigel Benn was the people's champion. Tonight, Conor Benn became the people's champion."