Tony Bellew Names Key Factor As He Predicts Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn
Tony Bellew believes that the circumstances of the sequel bout between Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn will favor one fighter.
On November 15th, Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn will once again share the ring at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Seven months on from their first meeting, Eubank Jr. will be aiming to repeat the result against his fellow countryman.
A war in London in April would see Eubank Jr. get the decision unanimously on the judges’ scorecards, reducing Benn’s record to 23-1. Now, the pair will once again compete at middleweight as Benn will seek revenge on 36-year-old Eubank Jr.
The bout was originally scheduled for September, but it was pushed back to November at Eubank Jr.’s request. Although it may seem like a minor factor to some, former world champion Tony Bellew believes it could be influential in the fight.
Tony Bellew Believes Quick Turnaround Suits Conor Benn Ahead Of Chris Eubank Jr. Fight
Although Eubank Jr. will once again go into his bout with Benn as a favorite, bookmakers are forecasting another close fight between the pair.
According to one boxing legend, Tony Bellew, the odds are correct, but there is still a key factor that favors ‘The Destroyer’ Benn. Speaking at a press conference alongside Carl Froch and George Groves for Sporting Talk, Bellew gave a preview of the fight.
“The turnaround speed of the fight, it will benefit Conor Benn more. The younger man will be the fresher man. I don’t want to put him as the favorite, but I just think the older man, and the heavier man, will come on stronger later in the fight.”
Tony Bellew
Bellew added, “I just feel, in my opinion, he learns more from the last fight, Conor Benn, and I think this time he possibly does get rid of him.”
The Liverpudlian fighter believes that Benn can take his performance a step further than he did in April. “He had him out on his feet two or three times, and he just didn’t have it in him to press.”
The experience of the first meeting will prove to be a valuable learning curve for Benn, according to Bellew, who feels fans will see an improved performance from the younger fighter on Saturday.
It is currently unknown whether or not a win for Benn on Saturday would open the door to a trilogy bout between the pair. However, ‘The Destroyer’ has clearly stated he has desires to compete for a world title at welterweight in his next outing.
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Donal Long is a boxing journalist for KO On SI, hailing from Dublin, Ireland. Prior to joining SI in 2025, Donal graduated from Dublin City University with a bachelor’s degree in media production management. He has also worked on sites such as SportsJOE, GiveMeSport, The Sportster, and Bloody Knockout. Donal has been a huge sports fan for all of his life, which has seen him travel throughout Europe to attend live events.
Chris Eubank Jr Gives Definitive Update On Father’s Attendance For Conor Benn Rematch
Chris Eubank Sr.’s attendance was a major talking point for the first fight between Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn.
Donal Long
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Nov 7, 2025
Chris Eubank Sr. (Left) and Chris Eubank Jr. (Right)
Chris Eubank Sr. (Left) and Chris Eubank Jr. (Right) | IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire
On November 15th, British rivals Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn will once again lock horns at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. The pair are running back their middleweight war from April, where Eubank Jr. was able to earn a unanimous decision victory.
The fight between the two was so highly anticipated due to the family history between the Eubanks and the Benns. In the 1990s, Chris Eubank Sr. and Nigel Benn shared the ring on two epic occasions.
It was a win for Eubank Sr. in the first meeting in 1990, before the 1993 rematch would end in a draw. In April 2025, their sons competed in the third installment of the deep-rooted rivalry.
Due to personal conflicts, Eubank Sr. was not a regular feature of the build-up to the first bout between the sons. However, a surprise arrival on fight night was a huge moment in the rivalry, as Eubank Sr. sat ringside to watch his son claim victory.
Now, Eubank Jr. has given a definitive update on his father’s attendance and their current relationship.
Chris Eubank Jr. Confirms Father’s Attedence At Conor Benn Rematch, Provides Relationship Update
Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Eubank Jr. previewed his upcoming bout with Benn and talked about his father in the process.
“He will be there with me, supporting me on the night. The relationship has gotten a lot better than it was over the last few years.”
Chris Eubank Jr.
The 35-3 fighter added, “Over the last few years, we’ve pretty much had no contact for four years. We kind of came together on that night [vs Benn], and it was a special moment. From then, we’ve been rebuilding slowly.”
Eubank finished by saying, “We’re not perfect, we still have a long way to go. We still have a lot of things we have to work on as a father and a son, but we’re going to get there.”
‘My father wants me to retire,’ says @ChrisEubankJr.
Chris Eubank Jr takes on @ConorNigel at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next week. pic.twitter.com/NiEVxC9gYu
— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) November 7, 2025
It was also mentioned in the interview that Eubank Sr. wants his son to retire, according to Eubank Jr. He said, “My father wants me to retire. He doesn’t want me to continue on in this sport. He knows how dangerous it is, and the powers that come with it.”
In the buildup to the rematch with Benn, Eubank Jr. has not openly discussed potential future opponents. However, Benn has said on several occasions that he is lining up a world title challenge at welterweight next year.
The Unholy Union: “The Beast” and Its 27-Liter Rolls-Royce V-12 Prepare for a New Reign in 2025
As the calendar pages turn to late 2025, the global automotive auction circuit is abuzz with anticipation for a truly singular offering. Not a concours-d’élégance darling, nor a factory-born hypercar, but a legendary, custom-built machine known simply as “The Beast.” This automotive titan, a true testament to unbridled engineering ambition and a healthy dose of eccentricity, is preparing to roar onto the auction block. Its heart? A colossal 27-liter Rolls-Royce Merlin V-12 engine, an engine renowned for powering the iconic Spitfire fighter plane during World War II. For connoisseurs of the unique, the powerful, and the utterly unforgettable, this isn’t just a car; it’s a living, breathing piece of automotive history and a potential crown jewel for any serious luxury collectible automobile portfolio.
This isn’t merely a relic from a bygone era; it’s a meticulously refreshed and refined behemoth, ready to command the roads — and the attention — of a new owner. Initially unveiled to the public in the 1970s, this elongated shooting brake pushes the boundaries of what’s considered a road-legal vehicle, stretching nearly 19 feet from its formidable snout to its custom tail. With an estimated power output soaring between 750 and 850 horsepower, and a documented top speed of 183 mph achieved in 1973, “The Beast” stands as a monumental statement, a challenge to conventional design, and a testament to the sheer audacity of its creator. In an era increasingly defined by electrification and digital interfaces, “The Beast” offers a visceral, analogue experience, reminding us of a time when sheer displacement and raw mechanical power reigned supreme. Its impending auction represents a rare opportunity to acquire a legendary bespoke luxury car, a true one-off automotive creation that continues to fascinate and inspire.
The Heart of a Warbird: Delving into the 27-Liter Merlin V-12
At the absolute core of “The Beast’s” mystique lies its monumental powerplant: a 27-liter (1,649 cubic inch) Rolls-Royce Merlin V-12 engine. For any automotive enthusiast, the mere mention of “Merlin” conjures images of aerial combat, the distinctive roar of a Spitfire cutting through the skies, or the formidable power of a Lancaster bomber. This isn’t just any engine; it’s a vintage high-performance engine with a unparalleled lineage, responsible for turning the tide of World War II from the air. To transplant such a formidable piece of aerospace engineering into a road-going car was, and remains, an act of sheer mechanical audacity.
The Merlin engine, in its original aviation guise, was a marvel of its time, delivering immense power through its 60-degree V-12 configuration, often supercharged for even greater output. While “The Beast’s” specific Merlin unit is believed to have originated from a Centurion tank before being replaced by one from a scrapped training aircraft, its fundamental characteristics remain. Imagine the sheer volume of that displacement: it’s roughly equivalent to five-and-a-half modern Mustang V-8 engines bolted together. This isn’t a subtle hum; it’s a deep, resonating rumble that vibrates through the very ground, a symphony of raw power and historical significance. The engineering challenges involved in adapting such an immense and powerful engine for road use were staggering. Considerations like an adequate cooling system, a robust drivetrain capable of handling hundreds of pounds of torque, and a suitable automatic transmission (a three-speed unit in this case) were monumental tasks. Yet, John Dodd, “The Beast’s” ingenious creator, overcame them, forging an extreme engine swap that became a legendary feat of automotive engineering marvel. This commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible is precisely what makes “The Beast” such a compelling and high-value collector vehicle in today’s market.
The Visionary Maverick: John Dodd’s Audacious Creation
The genesis of “The Beast” is inextricably linked to the extraordinary mind of John Dodd. A brilliant, albeit gloriously eccentric, British businessman with a highly successful automatic transmission repair shop, Dodd possessed both the technical expertise and the sheer force of will to transform a wild concept into a tangible reality. His creation embodies the spirit of the 1970s, an era when individual builders dared to dream beyond the confines of factory specifications. The famous line from Jurassic Park, “So preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should,” perfectly encapsulates Dodd’s approach. He certainly could, and he absolutely did, build the car he envisioned.
The foundational mechanicals of “The Beast” were originally conceived by another English builder, Paul Jameson, who famously sourced the Merlin V-12 from a Centurion tank. Dodd, who knew Jameson through their shared automatic transmission connections, acquired this colossal powertrain and the nascent chassis. It was Dodd who then meticulously crafted the car’s distinctive fiberglass body around these formidable components. Initially, “The Beast” sported a very period-correct, albeit somewhat understated, tan-over-tan color scheme, reflecting the aesthetic sensibilities of the 1970s. But beneath that exterior, Dodd was building more than just a car; he was constructing an extension of his own defiant personality. He loved driving “The Beast,” relishing in its dramatic presence and, perhaps most famously, in subtly needling the Rolls-Royce legal department, a saga that would become almost as legendary as the car itself. His creation became the epitome of British automotive eccentricity, a truly bespoke automotive build that defied categorization and challenged established norms. Dodd’s vision and perseverance solidified “The Beast’s” place as a unique chapter in custom luxury vehicle history.
The Legal Skirmishes: Rolls-Royce vs. The Maverick
One of the most enduring anecdotes surrounding “The Beast” is John Dodd’s spirited, and ultimately infamous, legal battle with Rolls-Royce. Dodd’s original vision was clear: a car powered by a Rolls-Royce V-12 engine, even if it was a military-grade unit, deserved to wear the prestigious Rolls-Royce grille and the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy mascot. He believed his creation, a monumental testament to British engineering prowess, was a fitting, albeit unconventional, tribute.
However, the venerable manufacturer of luxury automobiles disagreed, vehemently protecting its brand identity and imagery. Rolls-Royce successfully sued Dodd for trademark infringement, leading to protracted legal proceedings that forced Dodd to remove the distinctive grille and mascot. Despite the legal setback, Dodd’s playful defiance was legendary. He was known to cheekily call Rolls-Royce sales offices, impersonating a prospective, well-heeled client, inquiring about their fastest coupe after claiming to have just seen one blast past him on the motorway – a “V-12 thunder” he knew could only be “The Beast.” The legal battle became a part of the car’s narrative, elevating its status from mere custom build to a symbol of individualism against corporate might. The fact that the car now once again proudly sports the Rolls-Royce grille and Spirit of Ecstasy, thanks to its current custodian, feels like a triumphant return, a silent nod to Dodd’s original vision and a playful reassertion of the car’s unique lineage. This chapter highlights not only automotive legal disputes but also the fascinating interplay between brand infringement and classic cars, adding layers of intrigue to “The Beast’s” already compelling story.
Refreshed, Refined, and Ready: A New Chapter for a Legend
Two years ago, “The Beast” embarked on a new chapter when its current owner acquired it from John Dodd’s family. Far from letting this legendary machine fade into obscurity, the new custodian undertook a thoughtful and comprehensive refurbishment, breathing new life into the eccentric icon while meticulously preserving its irrepressible spirit. The car’s original 1970s tan-over-tan aesthetic has been tastefully updated, now sporting a sophisticated two-tone silver and gray paint scheme. This modern finish, while departing from the original, enhances its dramatic lines and immense presence, giving it a more contemporary, yet still timeless, appeal.
The interior has also received a meticulous overhaul. Where once there was tan, there is now a businesslike black, exuding a sense of purpose and understated luxury. A subtle but powerful detail: “The Beast” is elegantly embossed into the headrests, a constant reminder of the vehicle’s legendary status. Crucially, the restoration also saw the proud reinstallation of the Rolls-Royce grille and the Spirit of Ecstasy mascot, a move that feels like a rightful vindication of John Dodd’s original intent. Despite the extensive refurbishment, Dodd’s personal touch remains etched into the car’s very being; his initials are still visible on the steering wheel, a poignant connection to the visionary who dared to create such a magnificent monster. This careful balance of modernization and preservation ensures that “The Beast” remains true to its heritage while being presented in a condition befitting a luxury vintage car refurbishment of this caliber. This commitment to classic car restoration excellence ensures that “The Beast” will continue to be admired and enjoyed for generations to come, securing its place in automotive heritage preservation.
Performance, Presence, and the 2025 Collector Market
In 2025, “The Beast” isn’t just a powerful machine; it’s a profound statement. Its staggering performance, evidenced by a Guinness World Record-certified 183 mph top speed in 1973, remains awe-inspiring, especially considering the engineering limitations of its era. Driving “The Beast” isn’t about blending in; it’s about commanding every glance, every gasp, every head-turn. It’s an auditory and visual spectacle, a rolling thunderclap of history and horsepower.
In a collector car market that increasingly values provenance, uniqueness, and documented history, “The Beast” stands in a league of its own. It’s not a mass-produced classic or a modified mainstream model; it is a singular, engineering-defying work of art. Its story, intertwined with John Dodd’s charismatic personality, the legal battles, and its wartime engine lineage, gives it an unmatched narrative depth. As the automotive world gravitates towards electric propulsion and autonomous driving, there’s a growing appreciation for raw, analogue machines that offer a direct, unfiltered connection between driver and road. “The Beast,” with its manual steering, powerful V-12 roar, and sheer mechanical presence, embodies this sentiment perfectly. For discerning collectors and investors seeking truly rare automotive investments, “The Beast” represents a unique opportunity. It transcends mere transportation, becoming a conversational piece, a historical artifact, and an undeniable symbol of what happens when passion and engineering collide without compromise. It’s poised to be a highlight of the luxury car auction trends in 2025, a truly high-value collector vehicle that promises not just ownership, but stewardship of a legend.
Embrace the Legend: Your Opportunity to Own “The Beast”
“The Beast” is more than just a car; it’s an enduring legend, a symbol of audacious vision, relentless engineering, and a defiance of convention. From its wartime heart to its custom coachwork, every aspect of this magnificent machine tells a story of passion and power. As it prepares to cross the auction block on November 29 via Historics Auctioneers, this is an unparalleled moment.
This isn’t merely the acquisition of a vehicle; it’s an invitation to become the next custodian of an unparalleled piece of automotive history, a tangible link to a bygone era of engineering marvels and eccentric genius. Don’t miss your chance to engage with this extraordinary narrative. Explore the full details of “The Beast’s” auction and consider how this iconic vintage performance car could redefine your collection. Discover more about this magnificent creation and the future of collectible classic cars in 2025 by visiting the Historics Auctioneers website. A piece of the wild, untamed spirit of automotive innovation awaits.
