Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn is anticipating that Chris Eubank Jr`s next fight will be a rematch against Conor Benn. The potential date for this highly anticipated second clash is September 27, likely returning to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The first encounter between the two fighters, sons of British boxing legends, delivered an exciting spectacle for 67,000 fans at the £1 billion Spurs ground. The event took place three decades after their fathers` famous bouts.
The intensity of the 12-round contest resulted in both fighters requiring hospital visits afterward. Eubank, in particular, reported being confined to bed for two days due to severe dehydration following the grueling weight cut and rehydration process.
Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh quickly signaled his intent for the contracted rematch to happen, targeting a return to North London.
Hearn confirmed that a date is provisionally set for September 27. However, this is conditional on Eubank, who will be 36 by then, being in optimal physical condition and medically fit to compete.
Hearn told SunSport, “You heard His Excellency on the night talk about, I think September 27th at Spurs for us, that`s what we`re expecting.” He clarified that the contract covered two fights, not merely an option for a rematch. “So, as far as we`re concerned, number two will take place in September, but obviously Eubank`s got to be ready and he`s got to be comfortable to move forward.”
He added that Conor Benn is ready to fight now and is eager for the rematch. Hearn described the initial fight as “incredible” and stated they are prepared for the second installment.
The original second-generation grudge match was initially scheduled for October 2022 at a catchweight of 157 lbs, a weight Eubank had never competed at before. However, that bout was canceled after Benn failed two drug tests, showing positive results for clomiphene, a substance known to boost testosterone.
Benn, 28 at the time, protested his innocence throughout the doping investigation, continuing his career in America and securing two wins at 150 lbs while the saga unfolded. UK Anti-Doping eventually dropped the case against him, paving the way for his return to face Eubank in the UK.
Following the initial cancellation and controversy, Eubank renegotiated the weight for their actual fight to 160 lbs, the middleweight limit he had fought at for six years. His only concession was agreeing to a 10 lb rehydration limit on the morning of the fight.
At the Friday weigh-in, Eubank missed the 160 lb mark by a mere 0.05 lbs, incurring a £375,000 fine. However, he successfully made the 170 lb rehydration limit.
Despite Eubank`s struggles to make the required weight for the first fight, Hearn stated that the terms for the rematch remain exactly the same as the original agreement.
Hearn explained, “Our contract is exactly the same as the first fight. All the terms are the same. We have separate contracts with the Saudis and that`s how the deal was done. So I can`t speak on his behalf. What I know is what we signed up for. So we expect that to be delivered.”
Chris Eubank Sr, Chris Jr`s legendary father, had initially expressed serious concerns and even threatened to boycott the first fight, worried about Benn moving up two weights and his son depleting himself to make the 160 lb limit.
Ultimately, he emotionally reunited with his son on fight night and proudly watched as Chris Jr secured a unanimous decision victory. However, Eubank Sr spent a worrying 48 hours at his son`s bedside in the hospital, as the severe effects of the weight cut and rehydration became apparent.
Hearn acknowledged that if medical issues prevent Eubank from safely making the same weight restrictions for the rematch, renegotiation under new terms would be considered.
“Look, I don`t represent Eubank,” Hearn said. “So if it`s unsafe for him to make that weight, that`s something they`ve got to raise… I`m just looking out for Conor Benn, who is in danger by fighting the much bigger guy.” He added, “you never want to see a fighter go in depleted, dehydrated or in a dangerous position.” While he felt Eubank`s performance didn`t necessarily show depletion, viewing the fight as “a war,” Hearn concluded, “So that`s something for their team to discuss with the Saudis. If they have a medical problem with that – that would go against the contracts that we`ve signed – but obviously you`ve got to make sure it`s safe for him to continue.”
