Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn have both made weight for their rematch this weekend at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The non-title bout is at middleweight, and both fighters came in under the 160lb limit. Benn, stepping up from welterweight into Eubank’s division, weighed 159.3lbs. Eubank Jr was 159.1lbs.
Benn was almost three pounds heavier than he was before their first fight, suggesting he has filled out the division more. Eubank struggled on the scales ahead of the April contest but had no drama this time.
Both men face another weight check on fight morning. Their agreement includes a rehydration clause: neither can be more than 10lbs over the limit on Saturday morning.
Benn said he felt Eubank’s extra weight was an advantage in the first fight but insists he’ll turn it around. “I’m still quicker than him. I’m still faster than him. My reaction times are still quicker than his. My power punches are still harder than his,” he told Sky Sports. “He’s got his weight, which he used well, leaning on me, smothering me. Am I spiteful? Yes. Am I aggressive? Yes. My mindset was different [in April]. It was just about me hurting him, that’s the way my mind was. The only reason that fight didn’t go my way was a lack of discipline and that’s why I’m kicking myself. It was like modern-day gladiators.”
Eubank Jr, who was hospitalised after the first fight with severe dehydration, agreed to the 170lb fight-day limit for the rematch. He has criticised his opponent, saying: “It doesn’t sadden me because I know what we have to do and what is expected of us. This is a blood sport so can you really be surprised when people are doing all these underhanded things. It comes with the territory; if you’re going to be in a bloodsport, be prepared to deal with savages.”
He added: “Something I’ve prided myself on – telling the truth, being moral, and being a stand-up guy, not lying to people, not stealing or taking advantage. That’s something I pride myself on as a human being and as an athlete in this sport. Not taking drugs, not quitting in the ring, not taking days off in the gym. But fighters like that are rare.”