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Eubank Jr and Benn hit weight limit ahead of Tottenham rematch
Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn both successfully met the 11st 5lb (72kg) weight requirement for their highly anticipated rematch at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, avoiding the scale issues that marred their first bout in April.
Weigh-in details
The private weigh-in, held behind closed doors in London, saw both fighters adhere to the agreed limit. Eubank Jr, 36, who holds a 35-3 record, matched Benn's 11st 5lb (72kg) mark, ensuring no last-minute complications. Their first fight in April had been overshadowed by Eubank Jr missing the middleweight limit by a razor-thin 0.05lb, resulting in a £375,000 fine.
Rehydration clause in effect
Both fighters remain bound by a rehydration clause, which caps their weight at 12st 1lb (77kg) by Saturday morning. This rule, designed to prevent excessive weight gain between weigh-in and fight night, was a point of contention in the lead-up to their first meeting. Benn's team has previously argued that the clause helps level the playing field, given Benn's natural welterweight status and the two-division jump for this contest.
In April, Eubank Jr narrowly missed the 11st 6lb middleweight limit but comfortably met the rehydration requirement the following day. The fighter has stated he typically gains around 14lb post-weigh-in, a common practice in boxing where athletes cut water weight before rapidly rehydrating.
Public ceremonial weigh-in
A ceremonial weigh-in, open to fans, is scheduled for Friday evening at York Hall in Bethnal Green. The event serves as a final promotional stop before the fighters step into the ring at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Background and build-up
The rematch follows Eubank Jr's hard-fought points victory over Benn in April, a bout that reignited debates over weight disparities in boxing. Benn, 29, has spent most of his career at welterweight, while Eubank Jr has campaigned primarily at middleweight. The rehydration clause aims to mitigate the physical advantages that can arise from significant weight cuts and subsequent rapid rehydration.
Eubank Jr's father, Chris Eubank Sr, recently denied claims that he was financially incentivized to reconcile with his son, adding another layer of intrigue to the lead-up.
"The rehydration clause is there for a reason-it keeps things fair," a spokesperson for Benn's team said earlier this week.
What's next
The fighters will undergo a final weight check on Saturday morning before the rematch, which promises to be another high-stakes clash between two of Britain's most prominent boxers.
