These Are What Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn Will Faces If They Don’t Meet The Catchweight
FightersTalkTV.com – The sensational showdown between the sons of two British boxing’s most iconic figures, Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn finally confirmed to be set on October 8 at the O2 Arena in London. The confirmation is locked after both fighters have had an agreement to fight in the catchweight contest. 160-lb middleweight Eubank Jr. and 147-lb welterweight Benn agreed to face each other in 157lb.
The ‘Next Gen’ Eubank Jr. (32-2, 23 KOs) has competed at super middleweight from 2017 to 2019, that’s means he was always fighting in 168lb. While ‘The Destroyer’ Benn (21-0, 14 KOs) hasn’t fought above 147lb since 2016 he boxed in welterweight. The pair have to set their weight to the pound they have compromised until the final weigh-in. If it doesn’t happen, Eubank and Benn will face several conditions.
The Fight Is Off
Trainer Tony Simms says the maximum limit for the weigh-in is 158.5 lbs for 157lb Eubank and Benn’s fight. If Eubank Jr. comes in over the limit, the fight is off. It would be the same thing if Benn were to come in heavier than that weight as well, but he’s expected not to struggle to make the catchweight. This will put Eubank Jr. in a tough position where he will chase the 10lb below and make sure he doesn’t come in over the limit during the secondary weigh-in on the day of the fight.
Eubank Jr is a career middleweight (160lbs) but has fought up at super-middleweight (168lbs)
Eubank Jr is a career middleweight (160lbs) but has fought up at super-middleweight (168lbs).
“He (Eubank Jr.) knows he’s got to try and make that 157. I was always doubtful he could do that because I’ve been on a couple of shows with him where he didn’t make 160, but he’s saying 100% he can make it.
“We have to take that into consideration where he says 110%, he’s not going to come no more than 157. We’ll see anyway. It was always 157. You can’t come in anything over 157. We were comfortable with him coming in at 157. Conor will come in at 154 or 155. So there will be a couple of pounds in that.
“There have been a few complications trying to get the contract over the line and eventually got done. There’s a massive financial penalty, and if he comes in over 158.5 and then the fight will be called off,” said Tony Simms about Chris Eubank Jr.
$100,000 Fine for Every Pound Exceeded
Since the first time that the fight was announced, the biggest talking point is about the weight. How will Eubank Jr. come down 10lb below his 168-lb fights, and how will Benn cope going up 10lb? Naturally, a rehydration clause has been put in place, and Dan Rafael has reported the pair will be fined $100,000 (£82,000) for every pound in weight they weigh-in over the agreed 157.
Even though both fighters will be well paid for this bout, the fine is still a lot of money. Either Eubank or Benn not only has to meet the catchweight, but they have to pay more attention to their abilities. Eubank should get down and not feel depleted, and Benn should add sufficient bulk to his frame without losing his speed, especially his punching power, then we will have ourselves a very interesting fight.
Benn is much improved in recent years but has campaigned in the 147lb welterweight division
Benn is much improved in recent years but has campaigned in the 147lb welterweight division.
For Benn, it’s not only a jump in weight he’s facing but quality, too. The unbeaten in 21 fights has developed significantly over the last two years but is yet to face anyone of Eubank’s caliber. ‘The Destroyer’ assures he will resume his welterweight conquest after the fight, but insists an opportunity for a legacy bout was one he couldn’t turn down.
“This fight is for the legacy and was an opportunity I felt I couldn’t pass up,” he said upon the bout’s announcement.
“My team and I had other options on the table as I’m currently ranked top five with all governing bodies at welterweight and no doubt I’m looking for a world championship fight very soon, but this fight is embedded with so much history and I know it’s one the public really want to see.
“To me this fight is personal – it’s more than titles and rankings, this is unfinished business between our families!” said Benn.
Eubank Jr, who has two defeats on his 34-fight record, has also drastically improved of late, having partnered with trainer Roy Jones Jr, and the 32-year-old believes the match-up will be the biggest fight of his career.
“I grew up watching their legendary battles and always wanting to emulate that, and find my own arch nemesis… could this now be Conor Benn? We will find out,” said Eubank Jr.
“He has walked the same path as I have. I know his struggle. Living in the shadow of a legend and trying to break out of that shadow and make his own name. If he can beat me, his name will be made, and he will never walk in his father’s shadow again.
“It’s a fight that’s going to spark the imagination of the British public, that’s what I’m happy about. In terms of anticipation, legacy and hype it’s the biggest fight of my career.” said Eubank Jr.
There are two months for both to make it happen. It’s not easy to go 10 lbs up or down, but one thing is for sure, it’s the most difficult thing to let your $100,000 go just for a single pound.
Watch the fight highlight and the reaction videos on our YouTube channel >>>
