Eddie Hearn anticipates that the rematch between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn will be the next fight for both boxers, potentially taking place at Tottenham`s stadium on September 27.
The first fight between these rivals by lineage proved to be a thrilling contest in front of 67,000 spectators at Spurs` stadium, echoing the famous bouts between their fathers three decades prior.
Both fighters required hospitalization after the brutal 12-round encounter, with Eubank reportedly confined to bed for two days due to extreme dehydration.
Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh quickly promoted the contracted rematch, stating it would occur in North London.
Promoter Hearn confirmed that a date has been tentatively scheduled, provided Eubank, who will be 36 by then, is deemed fit to fight.
Hearn stated that they are anticipating the second fight, referencing Turki Alalshikh`s mention of September 27 at Spurs. He clarified that the contract was for two fights from the start, not an option for a rematch. He emphasized that while Conor Benn is eager for the second bout, its confirmation depends on Eubank being ready and willing to proceed. Hearn described the first fight as “incredible” and expressed readiness for the next.
The initial booking for this legacy rivalry bout was in October 2022 at a catchweight of 157lb, a weight Eubank had not previously fought at.
However, the fight was cancelled when Benn returned two positive drug tests for clomiphene, a substance known to enhance testosterone levels.
Benn, aged 28, maintained his innocence and competed twice in the United States at 150lb while the investigation into his doping case continued.
Ultimately, UK Anti-Doping concluded their case against him, clearing the path for his return to boxing in the UK to face Eubank.
During this period, Eubank negotiated for the fight to take place at 160lb, his usual middleweight division for the past six years.
His only compromise was agreeing to a 10lb rehydration limit on the morning of the fight.
Eubank narrowly missed the 160lb weigh-in limit by just 0.05lb on Friday, resulting in a £375,000 fine, although he successfully made the 170lb rehydration limit.
Despite the former super-middleweight world title challenger`s difficulties with the initial weight, Hearn asserts that the terms for the potential rematch are unchanged.
Hearn stated that their contract for the rematch mirrors the first fight`s terms exactly. He mentioned separate agreements with the Saudi promoters facilitated the deal and that they expect the signed terms to be fulfilled. He clarified he cannot speak for Eubank`s team regarding their comfort level.
Chris Eubank Sr, the legendary father, initially threatened to boycott the fight, expressing concerns about Benn moving up two weight classes and his son potentially harming himself by making the 160lb limit.
However, on the night of the fight, he emotionally reunited with his son and watched proudly as Chris Jr secured a unanimous decision victory.
Despite the win, Chris Sr spent a worrying 48 hours at his son`s bedside in the hospital, as the effects of the difficult weight cut and rehydration process became apparent.
Hearn conceded that if Eubank is medically advised against making the same weight restrictions again, they would consider renegotiating the terms.
Hearn emphasized that he does not represent Eubank and that any safety concerns regarding making the weight must be raised by Eubank`s team. He stated his primary focus is on Conor Benn, who is the smaller fighter facing a larger opponent. While acknowledging the importance of fighter safety and avoiding depletion or dehydration, Hearn felt Eubank`s performance in the first fight didn`t necessarily suggest he was significantly affected, attributing it more to the nature of the bout. He reiterated that a medical issue would contradict the current contract terms but acknowledged the need for safety discussions between Eubank`s team and the Saudi promoters.
Oliver Croft