Eubank Jr. & Benn Make Weight for Rematch – A Tighter Scale Than Expected
LONDON, England – The rematch is on! Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn have both successfully navigated the weigh-in ahead of their Saturday showdown at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, delivering a crucial step towards settling their rivalry. This is breaking news for boxing fans eagerly awaiting the continuation of a captivating saga. However, a subtle shift in weight has added an intriguing layer to the pre-fight narrative, with Benn tipping the scales slightly heavier than he did before their first encounter. This story is optimized for Google News and SEO to ensure rapid indexing and visibility.
Weight Results: A Close Call for Benn
Eubank Jr. (35-3, 25 KOs) registered a weight of 159.1 pounds, comfortably within the 160-pound middleweight limit. Benn, however, weighed in at 159.3 pounds – a fraction heavier, and notably a career high for the 29-year-old. This is a significant detail considering the drama surrounding Eubank Jr.’s weight issues before their initial fight, where he was fined £375,000 for being marginally over the limit. Benn, famously, joked about using the fine money to purchase a Rolls Royce.
The Rehydration Clause: A Second Test
The scale isn’t the final word. Both fighters face a second weigh-in on Saturday morning, this time focusing on rehydration levels. The contractual agreement stipulates that neither boxer can be more than 10 pounds over the 160-pound middleweight limit. This clause is designed to ensure both competitors enter the ring at a comparable physical state, minimizing any potential advantages gained through excessive rehydration.
Hearn’s Observations & Benn’s Strategy
“Conor looked great, incredible,” stated Benn’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, to The Ring. “But it’s noticeably heavier than last time.” Hearn’s observation suggests Benn has intentionally added muscle mass during this training camp, conducted in Dubai under the guidance of Brian “Bomac” McIntyre. Benn himself has indicated this will be his final fight at middleweight, with plans to return to the welterweight division to pursue a title shot against WBC champion Mario Barrios. This fight, therefore, represents a crucial stepping stone in his career trajectory.
Rematch Context: Revisiting the First Fight
The first fight, held almost seven months ago, saw Eubank Jr. emerge victorious by unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the bout 116-112 in his favor. Benn, however, is seeking retribution and has openly expressed his desire to avenge that loss. The rivalry intensified during their first face-off this week, with Benn playfully taunting Eubank about potentially missing weight again. That didn’t materialize today, but the psychological warfare continues.
The Bigger Picture: Middleweight Dynamics & Boxing’s Landscape
This rematch isn’t just about settling a personal score; it’s a significant event within the broader middleweight landscape. The division is currently brimming with talent, and a decisive victory for either Eubank Jr. or Benn could propel them into contention for major titles. The increasing emphasis on rehydration clauses in modern boxing reflects a growing concern for fighter safety and fair competition. These clauses aim to mitigate the risks associated with rapid weight cutting, a practice that can have detrimental effects on performance and long-term health. Understanding these nuances is key to appreciating the complexities of professional boxing.
Saturday night’s main event, part of “The Ring: Finished Business” card, will be broadcast live on DAZN PPV from 11:45 am / 4:45 pm GMT. Boxing fans worldwide are bracing for a thrilling encounter, and archyde.com will be providing comprehensive coverage of the fight and its aftermath. Stay tuned for exclusive analysis, interviews, and updates.
