Conor Benn Opens Up About Childhood Trauma and Faith Ahead of Rematch

Conor Benn, the British professional boxer, shared unsettling details about his childhood experience with a fundamentalist Christian upbringing that left lasting emotional scars. As he prepares for a rematch against Chris Eubank Jr on October 7, 2023, Benn reflects on how this upbringing, marked by severe religious beliefs, has shaped his life.

Benn, now 29, spent his early years in Mallorca, Spain, where his family relocated when he was a child. On the surface, his life appeared affluent, characterized by a large home and private schooling. However, Benn described his environment as extremely religious and isolating. “I lived in a beautiful home – a beautiful mansion – and went to private school,” he told BBC Sport. “It was very heavily Christian, very religious. School was very extreme and church was very extreme.”

His education at a fundamentalist Christian school was not without its challenges. Benn recounted being told he was “demon-possessed” around the age of 12, a claim that profoundly affected his mental health. “It was very traumatic,” he said. “You were waking up in the morning and not knowing whether the anti-Christ was here.” The weight of such beliefs left him feeling troubled and angry as he transitioned into adulthood.

Benn’s father, Nigel Benn, a former two-weight world champion, sought guidance from the church during a period of personal turmoil, including struggles with addiction and a suicide attempt. “My dad was vulnerable with everything going on in his life,” Conor described. This situation intensified the influence of the church on their family dynamics.

The isolation Benn felt was exacerbated by the school’s influence over his parents. “My parents… had me fooled because I thought there was something wrong with me,” he recalled. This led to recurring nightmares and a pervasive sense of fear during his childhood.

When Benn moved to Australia at the age of 18, he began to understand the full impact of his upbringing. The experience prompted him to reassess his relationship with his father. After facing legal troubles in Australia, he reached out to Nigel, leading to a pivotal moment of reconciliation. “He gave me a hug and said ‘we’ll get through this together’ and I realized he loved me,” Benn stated.

As he matured, Benn sought therapy to process his trauma and foster a healthier relationship with his father. “It took some time and a lot of therapy for me to forgive,” he acknowledged. Today, he sees Nigel as a hero, despite the complexities of their past.

Benn’s faith remains an integral part of his identity. He continues to practice Christianity, emphasizing the importance of finding a supportive community. “I want to find a church that actually worships God and has the base and fundamentals of a Christian,” he said.

Looking ahead to the rematch against Chris Eubank Jr, Benn carries both the weight of past struggles and the hope of redemption. The fight follows a previous encounter in April 2023, where Benn lost on points. That bout had been plagued by controversy, including a failed drugs test that led to a lengthy suspension, which he has consistently denied.

Benn recognized the challenges he faced, especially the scrutiny from the public. “I couldn’t have done it without my dad,” he noted, reflecting on their shared struggles. As he prepares to step back into the ring, he aims to reclaim his narrative and entertain his fans.

“I fight for [the public] and I want to entertain them – that’s a heavy priority for me,” he expressed. “Every time I get in the ring, I give everything I have, every ounce of blood and pour my heart out.”

Benn’s journey from a troubled childhood to a professional athlete exemplifies resilience and the power of familial bonds, as he continues to navigate the complexities of his past while looking toward a promising future.