Conor Benn, one of British boxing’s most compelling figures, has opened up about the traumatic religious upbringing that shaped—and scarred—his early life. Though Benn has long been known for his faith, the 29-year-old says his commitment to Christianity survived only after enduring extreme teachings, fear-driven beliefs, and emotional wounds that followed him into adulthood.

At the center of Benn’s tattoo-covered torso is a cross, symbolizing his ongoing connection to God. But behind the ink lies a story of spiritual turmoil and a childhood overshadowed by fear.

Life Behind Closed Doors: ‘Everything Was Extreme’

Born in the UK and later raised in Mallorca, Spain, Conor Benn spent 12 years living in what many would see as paradise—a luxurious home, private education, and a privileged lifestyle. But Benn says the reality was starkly different.

“I lived in a beautiful mansion and went to private school,” Benn told BBC Sport. “But it was very heavily Christian—very extreme. School was extreme, church was extreme.”

Christmas was banned. Fear was normalized. And the apocalypse was a daily topic.

“They told us the world was coming to an end,” he said. “Christmas was blasphemy. Everything was just a lot.”

Benn attended what he describes as a fundamentalist Christian school, where fear-based teachings ruled. By age 12, the school told him he was “demon-possessed.”

“It was very traumatic,” Benn recalled. “You’d wake up not knowing whether the anti-Christ was here. As a kid, you’re easily influenced by people in positions of power. Looking back, you think it’s pretty evil.”

‘They Had Me Fooled’ — Isolation and Fear in His Own Home

Benn’s father, Nigel Benn—a former two-weight world champion—moved the family abroad while battling his own personal demons, including sex addiction and a suicide attempt after retiring from boxing. In his vulnerability, Nigel turned to the church for guidance.

“My dad was going through things I couldn’t understand,” Benn said. “He even lived with the pastors for a year.”

The school’s influence on his parents made young Conor feel isolated.

“They had me fooled. I thought there was something wrong with me,” he said. Even when he returned home, the emotional weight followed him. He developed recurring nightmares and woke in terror.

“I was just a kid—I shouldn’t have been having those dreams or fears.”

Anger, Resentment, and a Turning Point at 18

That upbringing left deep emotional scars. Benn entered adulthood feeling “troubled and angry,” unable to fully grasp the impact of his childhood until the family later moved to Australia.

“You’re trying to find your identity while being told you might be possessed,” he said.

At 18, Benn got into legal trouble in Australia—and the moment he told his father became a turning point in their strained relationship.

“I thought I needed to tell him. He gave me a hug and said, ‘We’ll get through this together.’ That’s when I knew he loved me.”

Forgiving His Father: ‘We Cried Hand-in-Hand’

Benn married his wife Victoria at 21, and it was around this time he realized he needed therapy to process the past. He now has two children, remains devout in his faith, and seeks a church grounded in authentic worship—far from the extremism he grew up with.

His bond with Nigel has been rebuilt through honesty, vulnerability, and healing.

“How did we mend our relationship? Sitting down, being honest, crying hand-in-hand,” Benn said. “It took a lot of therapy for me to forgive. Now I look at my dad and think, ‘You’re my hero.’”

Moving Past Controversy: Rebuilding His Career and Public Image

Benn’s upcoming rematch with Chris Eubank Jr comes after years of turmoil. The pair were supposed to fight in 2022, but the bout was cancelled when Benn failed a voluntary drugs test—a claim he vehemently denies. A long battle with anti-doping authorities followed before his suspension was lifted in November.

“I couldn’t have done it without my dad,” Benn said. “We were both sinking together, struggling together. I’d come home sobbing like a little child. He was there for me.”

When Benn faced Eubank this year, he was loudly booed as he walked to the ring. After a determined performance in defeat, those same crowds applauded him at his post-fight press conference—perhaps a signal that public opinion is shifting.

“I fight for the public. I want to entertain them,” Benn said. “Every time I get in the ring, I give every ounce of blood. It took years to understand I’ll never be enough for some people. But I’m doing my best. I’m just a kid trying to be like my dad—my hero.”

For Benn, the upcoming rematch is more than a fight. It’s another chapter in a life marked by resilience, forgiveness, and the ongoing battle to overcome the shadows of his past.