British Boxing’s Greatest Rivalries
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British boxing’s most iconic rivalries—battles undoubtedly captured the public’s imagination and has withstood the test of time. With the highly anticipated showdown between former IBO Middleweight and Super Middleweight Champion Chris Eubank Jr. and undefeated Welterweight contender Conor Benn fast approaching on April 26 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, now is an ideal moment. It’s fitting to revisit the greatest rivalries in British boxing history.
British boxing’s storied history of rivalries have done more than just sell fights. They’ve split pubs. These rivalries have divided families and ignited unforgettable nights under the bright lights. These weren’t just contests of fists. They were battles born from bad blood. Razor-sharp words and grudges lingered long after the final bell.
These feuds had explosive press conferences and brutal knockouts. They turned fighters into legends. Fans craved the chaos, controversy, and championship-caliber drama. Whether it was a thrown table, a shattered ego, or a perfectly timed left hook, these unforgettable beefs have cemented their legacy in British boxing’s history:
5. Dillian Whyte vs. Derek Chisora
Finchley’s fan-favorite Derek “Del Boy” Chisora faced Brixton’s Dillian “The Body Snatcher” Whyte. The heavyweight sluggers delivered two thrilling grudge matches, along with fiery pre-fight sitdowns that captured the public’s imagination.
British Boxing’s Electric Heavyweights
Before their first fight, the exciting heavyweight juggernauts met for a sitdown moderated by Sky Sports Boxing’s Johnny Nelson. Their animated face-off resulted in some of the most iconic moments in British boxing media. These clips have become legendary across the entire sport. Both men displayed visible tensity in their demeanor and level of tolerance for one another. After being called a donkey by Whyte, Chisora threw a glass of water in his face. This act ultimately caused chaos in the studio, forcing the filming to end abruptly.
The Big Fight
On December 10, 2016, the two finally met in the ring, battling through twelve hard-fought rounds at Manchester Arena. The bout was a legitimate test for Whyte. He was looking to climb the heavyweight rankings. This followed a devastating knockout loss to Anthony Joshua in 2015. Whyte and Chisora’s first meeting was razor close, with both men withstanding deafening blows. The final scorecard read a split decision favoring Whyte, (115-114, 115-113, 114-115). This contest was viewed by many as a worthy candidate for ‘Fight of the Year.’
The rematch was not filled with as much bad blood, given that two whole years had simmered tensions down. Both boxers were adamant in their path to victory with such a close initial meeting. Chisora made it a point of emphasis that he was going to go through Whyte.
The Brawl to Settle it All
On December 22, 2018, Whyte and Chisora met again—this time at the O2 Arena in Greenwich, London. Much like their first encounter, the rematch was a gritty, back-and-forth affair. However, it differed because Chisora was docked two points. He lost one point in the eighth round for a low blow. He lost another point in the eleventh for an elbow. Despite his roughhouse tactics, Chisora couldn’t find victory. Instead, Whyte sealed the rivalry with a devastating counter left hook that knocked Chisora out cold.canvas.
4. Tony Bellew vs. David Haye
A memorable rivalry exists in Britain’s boxing history. It features Bermondsey’s former Unified Cruiserweight World Champion, David “Hayemaker” Haye. The rivalry is also with Liverpool’s former WBC Cruiserweight Champion, Tony “Bomber” Bellew. Leading up to their clash, many pundits gave Bellew little-to-no chance. They labeled him a small cruiserweight. They believed he was outmatched by Haye’s athleticism and explosive power.
For many British boxing fans, this particular rivalry is viewed as bittersweet given Haye’s age and point in his career. The build-up to the fight arguably overshadowed the action on fight night, making the rivalry a nostalgic rewatch.
British Boxing’s Grudge Match
As anticipation and promotion for the fight intensified, Haye was outspoken at the press conferences. He verbally sparred not only with his formidable opponent but also with his opponent’s promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing. Bellew famously referred to Haye as ‘the biggest diva boxing has ever seen’ during the press conferences. Haye dismissed Bellew’s skills and chances of defeating him. This fiery exchange set the stage for an explosive buildup, as both fighters clearly harbored genuine disdain for each other.
On March 4, 2017, 34-year-old Haye faced off against 36-year-old Bellew. They tested their mettle inside the O2 Arena in Greenwich, London, United Kingdom. Both boxers wasted no time engaging in an all-out slugfest, winging massive hooks and overhands. The first five rounds were very competitive, with both finding moments of success. Unfortunately, Haye ruptured his Achilles tendon in the sixth round. Despite this, Bellew scored a knockdown in the same round and seized the opportunity. Haye fought through the injury for five grueling rounds, but was eventually knocked down again in the eleventh. Though he managed to get back to his feet, his corner threw in the towel, stopping the fight.
Repeat or Revenge
Their initial contract had no rematch clause, so both men went on a brief hiatus from the boxing ring. However, it was not long before Haye and Bellew got the itch to run it back. Haye publicly questioned Bellew’s motives heading into their rematch, personally believing that Bellew was there for money more than anything. Haye displayed a more measured temperament following a humbling stoppage loss.
On May 5, 2018, Bellew and Haye crossed paths once again inside the O2 Arena. Haye entered the highly-anticipated rematch with hopes of avenging his previous loss. However, the older, injury-ridden Haye struggled to match the fresher, younger Bellew. The first two rounds were fairly competitive as Haye tried to pressure Bellew toward the ropes. Shortly after, Haye suffered back-to-back knockdowns in the closing minute of the third round. Haye displayed heart throughout a tough fourth round. In the fifth, Bellew landed an emphatic knockdown, then followed up with a flurry of punches against the ropes.
3. Chris Eubank vs. Michael Watson
This rivalry captured the essence of British boxing’s golden era in the late 1990s. Dulwich’s Chris Eubank, a true icon of the sport, went head-to-head with Islington’s heavy-hitting Michael Watson in two fiercely contested WBO World Championship bouts. Both men shared the distinction of having defeated Nigel Benn, adding further weight to their clashes. Yet, this historic rivalry is also a somber reminder of the sport’s unforgiving nature—a powerful testament to the risks fighters take every time they step into the ring.
British Boxing’s Most Devastating Rivalry
In the lead-up to their first meeting, Michael Watson boldly declared that Eubank was “foolish to take this fight.” The narrative surrounding the bout painted Eubank as the villain—still widely disliked by the public due to his perceived arrogance and flamboyant persona. In contrast, Watson’s humble demeanor and quiet confidence won over the hearts of fans across the nation.
On July 22, 1991, 33-year-old WBO World Middleweight Champion Chris Eubank defended his title against 25-year-old Commonwealth Middleweight Champion Michael Watson. The bout took place at Earls Court Exhibition Hall in Kensington, London. Eubank edged several key rounds late in the back-and-forth contest, ultimately securing a majority decision victory (116-113, 115-113, 114-114). The result sparked immediate calls for a rematch, as many British boxing fans believed Watson had done enough to win. The controversy surrounding the decision also disrupted plans for a potential bout between Eubank and Nigel Benn.
Eubank’s Grueling Comeback
Nearly three months later, on September 21, 1991, the two Londoners met again. They met inside White Heart Lane Stadium in Tottenham. This time they were up a weight class for the vacant WBO World Super Middleweight Championship. This fight played out starkly different from the first meeting. Eubank had his hands full with a determined Watson hellbent on getting revenge.
The fight’s style proved Watson’s altered mindset from the first. Eubank managed to negate Watson’s ferocity early on, notching the few opening rounds. Watson answered this hot start from Eubank with a catalytic fourth round featuring a cut opened on Eubank’s eye. This initiated a series of productive rounds for Watson, edging the scorecards. Watson continued his work, pressuring Eubank and forcing missed swings. Eventually, Watson would score a knockdown on Eubank with a big right hand in the eleventh round.
Many believed Eubank was finished at that point. But in a stunning turn of events, he rose to his feet and delivered one of the most dramatic punches in boxing history. Eubank walked straight to Watson and unleashed a vicious uppercut through his guard, followed by a thudding left hook. Watson managed to survive the round, but both fighters showed worrying signs of exhaustion and damage heading into the twelfth. Sensing Watson was no longer fully conscious, Eubank pressed forward, unleashing a flurry of combinations until the referee stepped in to stop the fight.
The heroic efforts both men gave in the ring came at a heartbreaking cost. Watson would fall into a coma for 40 days, undergo six brain surgeries, and suffer permanent partial paralysis. The devastating aftermath of this second fight stands as a sobering reminder of the dangers fighters face in the ring.
2. Carl Froch vs. George Groves
The rivalry between Nottingham’s former WBC and IBF World Super Middleweight Champion Carl ‘The Cobra’ Froch and Hammersmith’s hard-hitting former WBA Super Middleweight Champion ‘Saint George’ Groves is nothing short of legendary. It remains one of the most talked-about rivalries in boxing history, marked by an intense, seemingly unending tension. Their epic battles and the heated buildups captured the hearts of the public, with the animosity between them fueling an undeniable passion. This rivalry arguably carried the most bad blood, as both men engaged in relentless mental warfare in the lead-up to their two unforgettable fights.
British Boxing’s Bitter Rivalry
The two men sat side by side for an electrifying edition of Ringside on Sky Sports Boxing, with Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn positioned between them. Off-camera, Johnny Nelson and Adam Smith posed provocative questions that kept the tension high. Froch and Groves seized every opportunity for verbal sparring, with Groves, in particular, insinuating that Froch was on the verge of tears. His comments subtly hinted at the mental warfare that was clearly beginning to take its toll on the defending IBF Champion.
The Battle of Britain
On November 23, 2013, 36-year-old Carl Froch had the opportunity to silence the ever-confident, undefeated 25-year-old George Groves. The bout took place at the MEN (Manchester Evening News) Arena in Manchester. Groves began the championship contest with explosive momentum, scoring a massive knockdown in the opening round. Froch appeared baffled by Groves’ superior boxing early on. However, as the fight progressed into the middle rounds, the two champions began trading powerful blows. By the later rounds, Groves started showing signs of fatigue, signaling a shift in the momentum.
British Boxing’s Most Controversial Stoppage
This led to Froch capitalizing on the golden opportunity in the ninth round. He landed a clubbing right hand to the temple of Groves, sending him on wobbly feet. Froch jumped on the hurt Groves, hitting him with a barrage of right hands against the ropes. After two big swings from Froch, the referee jumped in to stop the fight. Groves was ahead on all three judges’ scorecards at the stoppage. This stoppage is widely viewed as one of the most controversial stoppages ever. Ultimately, it left a sour taste in Groves’s mouth and the public.
The first fight ended in controversy, and as a result, the demand for the rematch far exceeded the hype of their initial meeting. This time, Froch and Groves sat down for a historic episode of The Gloves Are Off. The atmosphere in this sitdown was markedly different from their Ringside appearance before the first fight. Froch, exuding supreme confidence in his preparation, refused to let Groves get under his skin or stoke the flames of animosity. Instead, Froch calmly delivered some verbal jabs of his own.
The most memorable moment, however, came during an awkward and tense handshake. As they rose to their feet to shake hands, Groves abruptly yanked Froch’s hand towards him. In response, Froch mirrored the gesture, pulling Groves nearly over the table in a passive-aggressive display that set the tone for their impending rematch.
British Boxing’s Most Anticipated Rematch
On May 31, 2014, 36-year-old Froch faced 26-year-old Groves in a pivotal moment for British boxing. The highly anticipated event took place in front of 80,000 fans at Wembley Stadium, adding to the significance of the occasion.
The fight began fairly evenly, with both men exchanging jabs. Groves appeared to find his rhythm early on, forcing Froch to adjust his approach. By the fifth round, Froch seized control of the bout, focusing on Groves’ body and gradually wearing down his stamina. This strategic shift paid off in the ninth round, when Froch delivered a highlight-reel straight right hand that sent Groves crashing unconscious to the canvas. The referee quickly stopped the fight due to the severity of the blow. This emphatic victory over a domestic rival like Groves solidified Froch’s place among British boxing’s all-time greats.
1. Chris Eubank vs. Nigel Benn
Undoubtedly the greatest rivalry in British boxing history, Chris Eubank Sr. of Dulwich and Essex’s Nigel “The Dark Destroyer” Benn were iconic dance partners who clashed in two marquee matchups. Their genuine contrast in personalities captivated the public, and the buildup to their first meeting is widely considered a cornerstone moment in British boxing.
The buildup to their fight was nothing short of electrifying. Just two months before the title clash, Eubank made headlines by knocking out Reginaldo dos Santos in only twenty seconds. Benn, meanwhile, had delivered a devastating first-round knockout of Iran Barkley three months earlier. With momentum behind them, the two charismatic yet vastly different personalities sat down with ITV for a special segment alongside their managers, during which they officially signed the fight contract. It was made-for-TV drama—highlighted by the undefeated challenger Eubank turning his back to the champion Benn as the cameras rolled.
British Boxing’s Groundbreaking Rivalry
On November 18, 1990, 26-year-old Nigel Benn entered the ring as the reigning and defending WBO World Middleweight Champion, ready to put his title on the line. Across from him stood a determined and undefeated 24-year-old challenger, Chris Eubank Sr., inside a packed Resorts World Arena in Birmingham. With 11,000 fans in attendance and millions watching live from home, the atmosphere was electric. The crowd booed Eubank relentlessly during his walkout, and tensions escalated before the opening bell—even his entrance music was cut off by Benn’s team in a pre-fight mind game.
This WBO title showdown exceeded the expectations set by the public. The two legendary middleweights traded thudding blows over the course of eight hard rounds. This was an extremely close fight, with both men taking rounds off one another. Benn implemented his typical approach of pressuring forward as he looked to land knockout blows. Eubank, the tough technician that he was, implemented a surgical game plan.
The challenger patiently circled the champion, slipping most of Benn’s heavy shots while landing sharp, impactful counterpunches of his own. By the ninth round, Eubank began to pull ahead in the grueling contest. He unleashed a thunderous two-punch combination that sent Benn stumbling back into the ropes. The referee stepped in to separate them, but Eubank quickly pounced on the golden opportunity. Benn was still dazed and visibly hurt.
Judgment Day
The rematch came nearly three years later, on October 9, 1993, as the two faces of British boxing met once again in the ring. This time, the stakes were even higher. Both men had moved up to super middleweight and aimed to unify their titles. A 27-year-old Chris Eubank Sr. put his WBO World Super Middleweight title on the line, while 29-year-old Nigel Benn defended his WBC World Super Middleweight crown.
Much like their first encounter, the rematch was an all-out war. While their initial clash ended in a ninth-round stoppage for Eubank, this bout remained razor-close from start to finish. Benn, more composed and defensively sharp than before, found greater success as he stuck to his trademark pressure. As the rounds wore on, Eubank appeared to fade, allowing Benn to edge ahead in key exchanges. The pivotal moment came in the sixth round when Benn was docked a point for a low blow—a deduction that ultimately proved decisive in the judges’ controversial scorecards. The bout ended in a split draw (113-114, 115-113, 114-114), leaving fans divided and the rivalry unresolved.
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