Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Chris Eubank Jr. Fined Heavily for Weigh-In Blunder Ahead of Conor Benn Bout
Chris Eubank Jr. has been hit with a substantial £426,000 penalty for exceeding the 160-pound weight limit by a fraction in advance of his highly anticipated clash with Conor Benn. The boxer faces a significant financial consequence for failing to meet the required weight during the official weigh-in. This boxing weight controversy highlights the strict regulations and financial repercussions in professional boxing for failing to make weight.
Weigh-In Drama Unfolds
Eubank made everyone wait for approximately an hour before appearing on the scales. Benn, who is moving up two weight categories to challenge his formidable opponent, weighed in at 156.4lbs, almost four pounds below the limit. However, when Eubank eventually arrived for his weigh-in, he initially registered 160.2lbs. On his second attempt, his weight was recorded at 160.05lbs. The 35-year-old will now be subject to the £426,000 fine for not meeting the stipulated requirement, a clause specifically incorporated into the fight agreement.
Ceremonial Weigh-In and Security Precautions
Cameras were prohibited from the official weigh-in, but a ceremonial event is scheduled for later this evening. The boxers, who have required intervention by security personnel on multiple occasions during the lead-up to the fight, are set to compete at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium tomorrow. This intense rivalry has added significant anticipation to the upcoming Eubank vs. Benn boxing match.
Rehydration Clause and Further Weight Restrictions
Eubank Jr. and Benn are slated to step onto the scales again tomorrow at approximately 8 a.m., less than 12 hours before their highly anticipated grudge match. Neither fighter is permitted to weigh over 170lbs on the morning of the fight, and a rehydration clause is in effect. Eubank Jr. has disclosed that he faces a £750,000 fine should he exceed this limit.
Benn’s Weight Advantage
Having predominantly competed at the 147lbs weight limit throughout his career, Benn has found the current weight limit easier to attain. In his most recent fight, a unanimous points victory over Peter Dobson in February 2024, the 28-year-old weighed just over 150lbs.
Background and Previous Controversy
The fight is taking place three years after the original date was planned. However, Benn tested positive for a prohibited substance and only received clearance to fight in the UK last November. The build-up to the fight has included harsh verbal exchanges regarding each other’s careers during fiery press conferences, and Eubank Jr. even cracked an egg on his rival’s face in February.
Eubank Sr.’s Disapproval
That incident prompted his own father, Chris Eubank Sr., to call for his son’s disqualification.
Echoes of a Legendary Rivalry
Both of their fathers, Eubank Sr. and Nigel Benn, were incredibly successful boxers who shared a memorable rivalry in the 1990s. Eubank Sr. won their first encounter via TKO in 1990 before their rematch resulted in a draw three years later.
Eubank Sr.’s Criticism of ‘Legacy Fight’ Label
Boxing icon Eubank Sr. has voiced his criticism of the labelling of the impending event as a ‘legacy fight’, emphatically stating that he wants no connection to the actions of either fighter. Speaking to The Sun, the 58-year-old said:
- “So my son, he smashes an egg on the face of Conor. You want me to be associated? That’s what you call legacy? It’s not legacy. That [action] is bringing the game of boxing into disrepute, that of which would have [had] a disqualifying effect back in my day.”
- “No different to the language of Conor. The man speaks like he’s a possessed drunk. From a boxing point of view, and the fighters here (Groves and Eubank) will actually back this up, if Junior has only fought three times in three years, and if Conor has only fought three times in three years, it’s hot air.”