Conor Benn's Childhood Trauma at Religious School
British boxer Conor Benn has revealed shocking details about his painful childhood experiences at a religious school in Spain that haunted him for years. The rising boxing star shared these personal revelations in a recent BBC interview just days before his crucial fight against Chris Eubank Jr this Saturday night.
The Demons That Haunted a 12-Year-Old
When Conor Benn was just 12 years old, teachers at a religious school in Mallorca, Spain told him he had "demons" inside him. This disturbing accusation left the young boy scared, confused, and struggling to distinguish reality from fear. Benn described waking up every morning convinced something terrible was about to happen, constantly fearing "the anti-Christ" would appear at any moment.
The traumatic experience began after his family moved from England to the Balearic Island of Mallorca following his father Nigel Benn's retirement from boxing in 1996. Though the family lived in what Conor described as a "beautiful mansion," their home life changed dramatically as his parents became deeply involved in an evangelical community.
Strict School Environment and Family Strain
Conor was enrolled in a strict private Christian school where instructors interpreted his natural childhood energy as signs of possession. "How could anyone think something is wrong with a child just because he has energy?" Benn questioned during his emotional BBC interview. This became the most difficult concept for the young boy to understand.
The school's influence extended beyond the classroom, severely damaging Conor's relationship with his father, former world champion Nigel Benn. Conor felt unable to communicate openly with his parents because he believed the school instructors had significant influence over them. This communication breakdown caused father and son to gradually drift apart during crucial developmental years.
Healing and Reconciliation Journey
The psychological impact of these experiences stayed with Conor Benn well into his adulthood. He admitted getting into trouble as a teenager and eventually reached out to his father at age 18 after moving to Australia. That phone call marked the beginning of their relationship rebuilding process.
As Conor matured, married, and became a father of two children, he began therapy to confront his childhood trauma. The healing process included "many tears" and honest conversations with Nigel Benn as they worked to repair their bond. Today, Conor considers his father his "hero" and maintains his Christian faith in his own personal way.
The boxer's revelations come at a significant moment in his career as he prepares to face Chris Eubank Jr in what promises to be one of the most watched boxing matches of the season. His story highlights the lasting impact childhood experiences can have on personal relationships and mental health, even for professional athletes in the demanding world of boxing.
