‘Savage’ Conor Benn: ‘If you win a boring fight, did you really even win?’
Exclusive interview: Ahead of his rematch with Chris Eubank Jr, Benn speaks about faith, hate, and five things he admires in his bitter rival
“There wasn’t much thinking,” Conor Benn admits, mentally transporting himself back to 26 April, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and an 18ft x 18ft ring. “It was just pure rage. I just wanted to flatten him.” Benn is, of course, referring to Chris Eubank Jr, a man who was born to be Benn’s rival.
One could convincingly argue so, anyway. Given Nigel Benn and Eubank Sr’s gripping grudge in the 1990s, their sons’ own rivalry really is a blood feud. A blood feud that ultimately birthed a bloody, draining fight, as Eubank Jr continued his family’s superiority over the Benns by edging past Conor. It was an exhibition of true sporting melodrama, following slaps with eggs, weigh-in scares, and Eubank Sr’s last-gasp arrival. Yet, for Benn, it could have been so different on that spring evening in the English capital.
“It came so close, to where it was like: ‘I just need one more punch,’” he tells The Independent in the Matchroom gym in Essex, reflecting on moments when Eubank Jr looked in serious danger of humiliation. “He just used his experience well in there. I didn’t give him enough credit, but he deserves it for his chin, resilience, heart, engine. To deliver that sort of fight for the public, there’s only one man who could have brought that out of me: his name’s Chris.”
Chris Eubank Jr gives firm answer on whether father will attend Conor Benn rematch
Chris Eubank Jr gives firm answer on whether father will attend Conor Benn rematch
Benn’s own admission – that he was enraged against Eubank Jr, to the point that he was not sufficiently sensible in the ring – may tally with what you presume about the 29-year-old. Indeed, that now-trademark aggression seeps out in sporadic moments of this interview, as the Essex boxer punctuates certain points with a snarl. But really, Benn is thoughtful, articulate, polite, and humble enough to admit that Eubank Jr “is a good fighter”.
Still, that cannot have been easy for Benn to say.
Benn (right) during his clash with Eubank Jr in April
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Benn (right) during his clash with Eubank Jr in April (Getty)
And it may not be easy for him to find the right balance of aggression and pacing on 15 November, when he and Eubank Jr, 35, return to Tottenham for a keenly awaited rematch. Forget the easy references to Eubank vs Benn IV; this is Eubank Jr vs Benn II, in a rivalry that has earned its own place in British boxing lore.
“For me, it wasn’t just the actual boxing [that I had to deal with],” Benn says, “it was everything that had gone on for the last three years. It was mentally challenging. First fight back in 14 months, first fight in the UK in almost three years, first fight at 160lb. There were so many unknown variables, so it wasn’t just a matter of going in there and fighting. I’m happy with the way I dealt with it, not crumbling under the pressure.”
Benn is referring to the lengthy, gruelling saga that began when he returned two adverse drug-test results, which cost him the chance to box Eubank Jr in 2022. Benn, by various accounts, spent close to £1m trying to prove his innocence, but he was only permitted to return to a UK ring 12 months ago, with a further four months separating him from his long-awaited duel with Eubank Jr.
And as much as Benn takes pride in not “crumbling under the pressure”, he still grapples with his April defeat. Even victory next Saturday would not erase the emotions that have plagued him this year, he admits.
A devastated Benn with his father Nigel and coach Tony Sims after losing to Eubank Jr
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A devastated Benn with his father Nigel and coach Tony Sims after losing to Eubank Jr (Getty)
“Would it soften the blow a little bit? Probably not, because I still lost, so… No, definitely not. I don’t like losing in any way. Listen, we don’t prepare to lose, you don’t make the sacrifices you make to lose.”
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Benn’s defeat was not only difficult because of the bragging rights that it afforded Eubank Jr; many fans delighted in Benn failing, after assuming the 29-year-old was guilty in his drug-test saga.
And yet, “I’ve actually never really had hate in person,” he says. “I’ve had maybe two that I remember. I think someone shouted something out of the crowd once, and it’s funny because there were maybe 20,000 people, and all I heard was: ‘Eggs!’ It’s laughable, but it’s just life, isn’t it? I don’t even know your name, geezer, so why do I care what you think?”
This time, Benn is referencing the misconception that he blamed his adverse findings on excessive consumption of eggs; in fact, this was an excuse offered to him by the WBC, an excuse that Benn dismissed.
“I ain’t gonna try and please nobody,” he says, though his spirited performance in April did earn him many fans. “If you don’t like me, does it make any difference to my reality? So many fighters are scared to stand on who they are, because they don’t want to get judged. Be who you are.” There is that snarl again. “Imagine living in a world where you can’t be yourself. This is who I’m gonna continue to be.”
So who is Conor Benn, really?
Benn believes he was one punch from finishing Eubank Jr
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Benn believes he was one punch from finishing Eubank Jr (Getty)
“I’m a savage with training. I don’t cut no corners. I put my heart and soul into this game. I look after my kids, my family want for absolutely nothing.” Another snarl. “I’m a strong man in faith, I pray every day. I don’t get involved in what the public say, what the media say, politics.” That hasn’t always been true, though, and Benn’s intense emotions during his drug-test saga proved that. Still, “I ain’t gonna sit there and go: ‘Oh, I best not say or do this, because they might not like me.’
“Ultimately, if I say I’m gonna render you unconscious and I don’t like you, I’m gonna render you unconscious. That’s what my intentions are. If you say that’s barbaric and you don’t like it, don’t tune in,” he laughs.
Benn’s promoter Eddie Hearn claims that more than one million people tuned in to the April fight with Eubank Jr, and a hefty figure will surely accompany the rematch. Talk has already turned to Benn’s next move, and to the potential of world titles, yet it feels like Benn’s future may hinge on big-name match-ups rather than championship gold.
“There’s definitely more satisfaction in that,” Benn says of being an entertainer, as opposed to being a champion. “Ultimately, when people tune in to watch me fight, I want them to go: ‘Corrr, yeah, I want to watch another one.’ That means more to me than anything. You have naysayers, you have supporters; ultimately, are you all paying?”
What follows is another question – a fascinating rhetorical. “If you win a boring fight, did you even really win?” Whatever Benn thinks deep down, his rematch with Eubank Jr is a must-win by the standard definition.
Lamborghini Lanzador: Redefining Ultra GT Electrification for 2029
The whispers in Sant’Agata Bolognese have grown into a roaring declaration: Lamborghini is barreling headfirst into the electric future, and leading the charge is the groundbreaking Lanzador. Unveiled to a captivated world, not as a fleeting vision but a tangible promise for 2029, this “Ultra GT” EV is more than just a car; it’s a paradigm shift, a bold reinterpretation of what a high-performance, everyday-drivable Lamborghini can be in the 21st century. Having navigated the evolving landscape of automotive luxury and performance for over a decade, I can confidently say the Lanzador isn’t just responding to market trends; it’s setting new ones, poised to dominate the luxury EV market with its unique blend of heritage and cutting-edge innovation.
The Lanzador’s Grand Entrance: A New Chapter in Design Evolution
From the moment the Lamborghini Lanzador concept rolled into view, its design spoke volumes, meticulously crafted to marry Lamborghini’s iconic aggressive aesthetic with the sophisticated demands of an all-electric grand tourer. This isn’t merely an adaptation; it’s a thoughtful evolution, drawing subtle cues from past experimental designs while forging a distinctly forward-looking identity.
For seasoned enthusiasts, the Lanzador’s exterior immediately evokes echoes of the 2015 Asterion concept – Lamborghini’s initial foray into the hybrid GT space. That car, sadly, remained a concept, but its spirit, particularly its grand touring aspirations and the striking “Azzurro Abissale” blue paint that reappears here, has clearly found fertile ground in the Lanzador. Yet, the Lanzador transcends mere homage. Its front fascia, with broader intakes and impossibly slim headlights, shares a lineage with the formidable Urus SUV, hinting at a robustness and versatility beyond the traditional supercar. The cab-forward profile, a hallmark of modern performance, pushes the windshield far over the front axle, creating an unmistakable silhouette that is both dramatic and purposeful.
However, the Lanzador is no mere Urus coupe. While it appears to sit higher, a necessity dictated by the integration of its substantial, sled-like battery pack, Lamborghini is quick to point out that its roofline measures just shy of five feet – maintaining a sleek, athletic stance. The rear lighting, too, offers a deliberate departure. Where the Asterion featured pointed elements, the Lanzador embraces six distinct red ovals, a signature that provides a strong visual contrast to the angular, aggressive lighting of the Revuelto. This subtle differentiation is crucial; it establishes the Lanzador not as a derivative, but as a unique entity within the Lamborghini family, a clear indicator of Lamborghini’s intent to define a new segment, the Ultra GT EV. The active aerodynamic elements, seamlessly integrated into the design, are not merely functional; they contribute to the Lanzador’s sculptural quality, hinting at its dynamic capabilities even at a standstill. This fusion of form and function, where every line and curve serves both aesthetic and performance purposes, is a testament to Lamborghini’s design prowess.
Forging a New Path: The “Ultra GT” Philosophy
The very name “Lanzador,” meaning “pitcher” in Spanish, carries a dual significance. While a nod to an award-winning bull from the 1993 Madrid Fair, upholding Lamborghini’s deep-rooted connection to the world of bullfighting, the company also interprets it as a symbol of launching “into the future.” This duality perfectly encapsulates the Lanzador’s mission: a car that honors tradition while aggressively pioneering new territory in the high-performance electric vehicle segment.
Positioned as the definitive “everyday driver” Lamborghini, the Lanzador seeks to occupy a critical niche between the visceral, track-focused super sports cars and the robust, family-oriented Urus SUV. This isn’t about compromising on either front; it’s about synthesizing the exhilarating capabilities of a sports car with a newfound level of versatility and comfort. In the rapidly evolving 2025 automotive landscape, discerning luxury consumers are increasingly seeking vehicles that don’t force a choice between practicality and passion. The Lanzador directly addresses this demand, promising the kind of scintillating performance only a Lamborghini can deliver, but in a package amenable to daily commutes, weekend getaways, and even light cargo hauling. This strategic positioning is pivotal for Lamborghini’s long-term growth, broadening its appeal without diluting its core identity. It’s a calculated move to capture a segment of the luxury EV market that demands both uncompromising excitement and surprising functionality, an area where few manufacturers have truly succeeded.
Unleashing Electric Power: Performance Redefined
The heart of the Lamborghini Lanzador beats with an electrifying intensity, signaling a monumental leap in performance engineering. The decision to employ a dual high-power e-motor setup, one per axle, establishes an all-wheel-drive system that promises not just formidable traction but unprecedented control. Initial projections hint at an astounding one megawatt of energy deployment, translating to approximately 1,340 horsepower. However, what truly caught my attention in subsequent interviews in 2025 was the tantalizing prospect of the Lanzador potentially delivering up to 2,000 horsepower. This isn’t just about raw numbers; it’s a declaration of intent, affirming that the electric Lamborghini will be the most powerful production model in the company’s illustrious history. This level of power, when coupled with advanced active torque management across all four wheels, suggests a driving experience that will be both exhilarating and remarkably stable, pushing the boundaries of what a luxury electric GT can achieve.
The Lanzador’s development on an all-new, shared performance platform from the Volkswagen Group underscores a pragmatic yet ambitious approach. This architecture, designed to underpin future high-performance EVs from prestigious brands like Bentley, Porsche, and potentially Audi, represents a collaborative effort to leverage shared expertise and resources while allowing each marque to imbue its vehicles with distinct brand DNA. For Lamborghini, this translates into access to cutting-edge battery technology, advanced thermal management systems, and a robust electrical architecture capable of handling extreme power outputs. While specific details on range, battery capacity, and charging times remain under wraps, the fact that Lamborghini is planning for a 2029 launch gives them the advantage of incorporating rapidly advancing EV technology. The landscape of battery density, charging speeds, and motor efficiency is transforming at an exponential rate, and the Lanzador is perfectly positioned to benefit from these advancements, ensuring it remains at the forefront of electric supercar performance. The engineers at Sant’Agata are tasked with the delicate balance of delivering blistering acceleration and sustained high-speed performance, all while maintaining the expected Lamborghini driving dynamics and a practical real-world range, a challenge they appear well-equipped to meet.
A Sanctuary of Sustainable Luxury: The Lanzador Interior
Stepping inside the Lamborghini Lanzador is akin to entering a sophisticated, pilot-inspired cockpit where cutting-edge technology and sustainable luxury converge. This 2+2 layout, a deliberate choice for an Ultra GT, strikes a perfect balance between driver focus and passenger comfort, offering room for up to four occupants. The design ethos skillfully weaves together inspirations from past Lamborghinis with futuristic, almost aerospace-like elements, creating an environment that feels both familiar and revolutionary.
The dashboard, meticulously sculpted to be thin and lightweight, is defined by a striking Y-shaped motif that extends into the center console, a visual signature that underscores Lamborghini’s commitment to dynamic design. Within easy reach of the driver is the “pilot unit,” a centralized control hub for the entertainment and climate systems. A truly ingenious feature involves automatically retracting screens that disappear in certain “spicy” drive modes, allowing the driver to fully immerse themselves in the driving experience without digital distractions – a thoughtful nod to analog engagement in a digital age. This functionality emphasizes that despite its technological prowess, the Lanzador remains a driver’s car first and foremost.
Beyond aesthetics and technology, the Lanzador makes a powerful statement about sustainable luxury. The cabin is a masterclass in responsible sourcing and innovative material use. Seats, door cards, and the dashboard are enveloped in Italian-sourced sustainable Merino wool, distinguished by recycled color-contrasted threaded stitching. The seating foam itself is crafted from 3D-printed recycled fibers, pushing the boundaries of eco-conscious manufacturing. For those who prefer a more traditional touch, Italian-sourced sustainable leather is also available, ensuring choice without compromise on environmental principles. Even the structural carbon accents are developed using a two-layer regenerated carbon composite material, showcasing Lamborghini’s dedication to reducing its ecological footprint across the entire vehicle. This commitment to eco-friendly luxury cars is not just a trend; it’s becoming a fundamental expectation in the premium segment, and the Lanzador sets a compelling benchmark.
Practicality, often an afterthought in high-performance vehicles, is thoughtfully integrated into the Lanzador’s design. A functional “frunk” under the hood provides additional storage, complemented by a wide-opening large glass tailgate at the rear. The rear seats are ingeniously designed to adjust, offering enhanced cargo capacity for items like sporting equipment – a testament to its “everyday driver” aspirations. This blend of opulent design, advanced technology, and genuine practicality is a cornerstone of the Lanzador’s “Ultra GT” identity, making it a truly versatile proposition in the evolving 2025 automotive market.
Intelligent Dynamics: Control and Aerodynamic Mastery
The Lamborghini Lanzador isn’t just about brute force; it’s about sophisticated, intelligent control that translates immense power into an unparalleled driving experience. While specific hardware and software details are still being fine-tuned for its 2029 debut, the foundational principles being laid out are nothing short of revolutionary. At its core is an expanded and refined Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Integrata (LDVI) driving dynamics control system. This proprietary system, already revered for its ability to seamlessly integrate various vehicle parameters, is set to offer customers an even greater degree of customization over the Lanzador’s relationship with the road. The promise is clearer, more intuitive vehicle feedback, fostering an even deeper connection between driver and machine. A new suite of advanced sensors, discreetly mounted behind glass panels at the front of the vehicle, will feed real-time data into the LDVI, allowing for instant, nuanced adjustments to every aspect of the car’s performance. This level of granular control is crucial for managing the immense power of a megawatt EV and ensuring its handling prowess matches its straight-line speed.
A truly defining characteristic of the Lanzador is its comprehensive active aerodynamic hardware. This isn’t merely a static design element; it’s a dynamic system engineered to optimize the vehicle’s interaction with airflow across various driving conditions. Imagine a system that can instantaneously adjust for maximum downforce in challenging corners, providing unwavering grip and stability, then seamlessly reduce air resistance at top speeds to enhance efficiency and shatter velocity records. Or, when range is the priority, the system can optimize conditions for maximum mileage, a critical consideration for any electric grand tourer. This complex aero cooling system, concealed behind a front air shutter and moveable splitter, actively manages airflow to battery packs and motors, preventing thermal degradation during extreme performance. This proactive management of airflow is a testament to the sophisticated engineering behind the Lanzador, ensuring optimal performance and longevity for its electric supercar components.
Complementing these aerodynamic marvels is an advanced active suspension system, which will allow drivers to adjust damping and ride height directly from controls on the steering wheel. This capability offers an extraordinary range of adaptability, transforming the Lanzador from a comfortable cruiser for daily driving to a firm, track-ready machine at the touch of a button. This integrated approach to vehicle dynamics – combining intelligent software, active aerodynamics, and adjustable suspension – ensures that the Lanzador isn’t just fast, but dynamically brilliant, capable of delivering the quintessential Lamborghini driving experience across a broad spectrum of scenarios. This level of technological integration will be a key differentiator in the competitive high-performance electric vehicle landscape of the late 2020s.
The Road to 2029: Market Impact and Strategic Vision
The journey from concept to production is often fraught with uncertainty, yet Lamborghini has approached the Lanzador with unwavering conviction. Unlike the elusive Asterion, this time, the commitment is firm: the Lanzador will transition into a production model around 2029, a slight adjustment from its initial 2028 projection. This revised timeline reflects the meticulous development required for such an ambitious and technologically advanced vehicle, allowing Lamborghini to integrate the very latest in EV technology as it rapidly evolves over the next few years.
Lamborghini’s CEO, Stephan Winkelmann, articulates the Lanzador’s strategic importance with clarity: “For us, the fourth model is the absolutely logical extension of the existing portfolio—the perfect link between Urus and our super sports cars.” This statement underscores the Lanzador’s critical role in diversifying Lamborghini’s product line and capturing new segments of the luxury EV market. The company anticipates that the Lanzador could achieve sales figures comparable to its forthcoming entry-level Temerario sports car, indicating significant confidence in its market appeal. This positioning is not merely about adding another model; it’s about strategically broadening the brand’s reach and relevance in an increasingly electrified automotive world.
Production of the Lanzador will necessitate a significant expansion of Lamborghini’s historic Sant’Agata Bolognese facility over the next few years. This investment reflects the scale of the undertaking and Lamborghini’s dedication to maintaining its heritage of craftsmanship while embracing future manufacturing demands. As we approach the 2029 launch, the automotive world will eagerly await the final specifications, knowing that the future of Lamborghini is being forged with groundbreaking engineering and a clear vision. The Lanzador represents not just an electric car, but Lamborghini’s audacious leap into a new era of sustainable luxury, redefining performance and usability for generations to come.
Your Invitation to the Electric Future
The Lamborghini Lanzador is more than an upcoming vehicle; it’s a definitive statement from one of the world’s most iconic automotive brands about the future of high-performance electric vehicles. It’s a testament to innovation, sustainable luxury, and an unwavering commitment to the thrill of driving. As we stand in 2025, anticipating its 2029 arrival, the Lanzador promises to be a pivotal player, shaping expectations for what a grand touring EV can truly achieve.
What are your thoughts on Lamborghini’s electric future? We invite you to join the conversation and share your insights on the Lanzador’s potential impact on the luxury EV market.
