Chris Eubank Jr. has found himself at the center of controversy just days before his highly anticipated fight with Conor Benn after missing the required weight for their bout. The 35-year-old middleweight initially weighed in at 160.2lb, slightly over the 160lb limit, and after a second attempt, he registered at 160lb 0.8oz. Despite the marginal excess, the fight is still set to proceed, but Eubank Jr. has been handed a hefty fine of £375,000 ($500,000) for failing to make weight.
The weigh-in drama unfolded on Friday morning, with Eubank Jr. arriving late, which further fueled the tension surrounding the contest. By the time Eubank Jr. stepped on the scale, Benn had already completed his weigh-in at 156.4lb, well under the 160lb limit. Benn, a 28-year-old welterweight, had a significantly less demanding weight cut compared to his opponent, who has fought in the 168lb super-middleweight division in the past.
The complications didn’t end with Eubank Jr.’s late arrival and fine. The fighters are also subject to a strict rehydration clause for the fight, limiting their weight gain after the official weigh-in. This clause prevents either fighter from exceeding a 10lb increase in weight after the weigh-in. While Benn is expected to be unaffected, the stipulation poses a serious challenge for Eubank Jr., who now faces the difficult task of recovering from a severe weight cut under highly restricted conditions.
The fight between Eubank Jr. and Benn has been fraught with tension. In the lead-up to the weigh-in, Benn had taunted Eubank Jr. over the physical toll of the weight cut, suggesting that the process would be painful and draining for the older fighter. This conflict is further exacerbated by the public concern from Eubank Jr.’s father, Chris Eubank Sr., who has voiced strong opposition to the fight. Eubank Sr. has repeatedly called for the bout to be canceled, criticizing the decision as a dangerous and reckless spectacle. He has even referred to his son’s participation in the fight as a “disgrace,” adding fuel to the growing criticism of the event.
The concerns surrounding Eubank Jr.’s weight cut are not without merit. Dr. Peter Hamlyn, a renowned neurosurgeon who has treated multiple boxers at risk of brain damage, has raised alarms about the safety of the fight. He emphasized that fighters should be in optimal physical condition, including proper hydration, before stepping into the ring. According to Hamlyn, depriving a boxer of hydration can increase the risk of severe brain injury, making the bout an even more dangerous proposition.
Despite the warnings, Eubank Jr. has shown little hesitation about proceeding with the fight. He acknowledged the risks involved, admitting that restricting his rehydration would affect his recovery. However, he expressed confidence in his abilities, believing that his superior skill set would allow him to overcome the disadvantage. Eubank Jr. also noted that he was being compensated for adhering to the weight restrictions, making it clear that he had no intention of backing out unless it cost him a significant sum of money. He revealed that breaching the rehydration clause could cost him as much as £751,000 ($1,000,000), making it unlikely that he would alter his approach.
The fight between Eubank Jr. and Benn has sparked heated debates about fighter safety and the ethics of extreme weight cutting. While the bout will undoubtedly capture the attention of boxing fans, it remains to be seen whether the risks involved will overshadow the spectacle. As the fighters prepare for the ring, questions about the long-term health implications of such matchups continue to dominate discussions in the boxing world.
