The fallout from Conor Benn’s dominant victory over Chris Eubank Jr at the O2 Arena last month has taken another explosive turn, with Eubank Jr delivering one of the most shocking moments in British boxing television history during a live Sky Sports broadcast.

Appearing on a special post-fight analysis show to discuss his future plans after the one-sided defeat – a fight that saw him dropped twice in the final round and visibly drained from a brutal weight cut to 160 lb – Eubank Jr was joined remotely by none other than Nigel Benn, the man whose legendary 1990s rivalry with Chris Eubank Sr still defines British boxing.

The “Dark Destroyer” wasted no time reigniting old flames.

“You’re nothing but a pale imitation of your father,” Benn fired. “All mouth and no punch. You talk about legacy, but you’ve never been in a proper war. You pick and choose fights, hide behind the name, and when it matters you fall apart. An embarrassment to everything the Eubank family stood for.”

The studio fell into stunned silence. Presenter Anna Woolhouse, alongside analysts David Haye and Tony Bellew, froze as the words hung in the air.

Chris Eubank Jr stared at the monitor for several seconds. Then, in a moment that has already become boxing folklore, he grabbed the microphone, slammed it onto the desk with a thunderous bang, and looked straight down the camera lens.

“Shut up!” he roared. “Who do you think you are to talk to me like that?”

Before Benn could respond, Eubank Jr continued, voice ice-cold: “You’ve been living off two fights with my dad from 35 years ago. I’ve won world titles in two weight classes, headlined in Las Vegas, and built my own career. Show some respect – or keep my name out of your mouth.”

He ripped off his microphone pack and stormed out of the studio.

The broadcast cut immediately to an unscheduled eight-minute commercial break – one of the longest emergency pauses in Sky Sports Boxing history.

When the show returned, a visibly shaken Woolhouse issued an on-air apology: “We sincerely apologise for the strong language used tonight. Emotions clearly ran high, and while Nigel Benn is an absolute legend of the sport, we also understand the intensity of this historic rivalry.”

Sky Sports later released an official statement: “We regret the language used during tonight’s programme. Nigel Benn is one of Britain’s greatest ever fighters. However, we respect Chris Eubank Jr’s right to defend himself and his achievements. We apologise to viewers for any offence caused.”

The clip has exploded across social media, racking up over 58 million views in less than 24 hours and sending #ShutUpNigel to the top of worldwide trends for nearly 20 consecutive hours.

Reactions poured in from across the boxing world:

• Conor Benn (via Instagram): “Still feeling those words? Wait till next time in the ring.”
• David Haye: “I’ve never seen Nigel Benn speechless. Ever.”
• Tony Bellew: “Ten seconds of television that will be replayed forever.”
• Conor McGregor: “Eubank Jr just landed the cleanest shot of the entire rivalry 🔥”

With his high-profile split from trainer Brian “BoMac” McIntyre still fresh, and public criticism from his own father Chris Eubank Sr calling the performance “embarrassing” and “lifeless”, last night’s outburst has only intensified speculation about Eubank Jr’s next move.

Sources close to the 35-year-old say he is seriously considering a permanent move to super-middleweight (168 lb) to avoid the career-threatening weight cuts that many believe cost him dearly against Benn.

One thing is certain: the Benn-Eubank rivalry, once thought buried with the previous generation, is now burning hotter than ever – and Chris Eubank Jr has just reminded the world that the fire still runs in the family bloodline.

Whether this moment becomes a turning point or a final flash of defiance remains to be seen, but British boxing has rarely felt this raw, this real, and this ready to explode again.