Sarah Liegmann – from the ring corner: Eternal rivals

Before I get started, I’m really glad you’re here to read my column. It’s going to be chaotic, funny, but mainly 100 percent real. I’ll be sharing lots of anecdotes and experiences from the world of boxing, but also giving you some exciting insights into my everyday madness. And now it’s time to clear the ring!

There are rivalries that last for generations. A perfect example of this is Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr. Two boxers who followed in the footsteps of their successful fathers at a young age and are rewriting the history between the names of their family in their own way and in this generation.

A fight between the two was scheduled for the first time in 2022, but had to be canceled due to a positive doping test by Conor Benn. This was followed by a ban in the UK and a lot of shitstorm. For Eubank Jr. and his team in particular, it was a perfect opportunity to further inflame the rivalry.

Doping: everyone bears responsibility

I always think it’s a shame when athletes who are at the very top resort to banned substances. After all, as full professionals, they should actually act as role models and refrain from using performance-enhancing substances. Nevertheless, we must never forget that some athletes are simply careless, rely on others and do not pay close attention to what they are taking. Whether they deliberately take something that could destroy their career remains to be seen.

Nevertheless, every athlete is responsible for themselves and should, for example, check twice what they are taking when it comes to dietary supplements or medication. In America in particular, there is a gray area that allows nutritional supplement companies to list mixtures without disclosing the exact quantities or substances contained. I myself have relied on the NADA2go app for years. This makes it possible to use a search function to check medicines or food supplements that are on the Cologne list.

Eubank vs. Benn – a question of honor

In April 2025, Conor and Chris finally faced each other in the ring. The hatred between the two was palpable in all twelve rounds. In the end, Chris Eubank Jr. left Tottenham Stadium as the winner. History was repeating itself. Because in 1990, when Chris Eubank Senior and Nigel Benn met in the ring for the first time, an Eubank also won. At that time even with a T.K.O. In the rematch between the two in 1993, there was a split draw.

On November 15, 2025, the time has come for the sons of boxing legends to fight their rematch. Will history repeat itself? We’ll see – and I can’t wait. It’s more than just a fight, it’s a question of honor on both sides. The sons are boxing on behalf of their fathers and their families, who are behind them.

Personally, I see Eubank Jr. coming out on top again, as he dominated the first fight. This time he looks even more focused. Chris also seems to have made enough weight early on and doesn’t have to go through a tough “cut” like he did in April, one day before the fight. Nevertheless, two top boxers of their time will meet on Saturday – and I’m really looking forward to their performance.