Conor Benn weighs in heavier than Chris Eubank Jr for middleweight rematch at Tottenham Hotspur stadium
Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn have both made weight for their rematch this weekend.
Their non-title bout is set for middleweight and both fighters came in under the 160lbs limit on Friday. They also came through the additional restriction of a fight-day weigh-in.
A rehydration clause meant that neither could be more than 10lbs over the limit on Saturday morning. Eubank was 169.83lbs and Benn was 167.25lbs.
The previous day, Benn, moving from welterweight into Eubank’s division, was unexpectedly the heavier of the two, at 159.3lbs.
Earlier this year Eubank had faced a battle on the scales trying to make weight for their first fight in April. But for this second contest he weighed 159.1lbs on Friday without drama.
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Andy Scott explains the rehydration clause in boxing, why they came in and what the repercussions are if not met
At the initial weigh-in Benn was almost three pounds heavier than he was before their first fight – a sign that he has filled into the division more.
Benn felt Eubank’s extra weight was an advantage in the first fight, but he intends to turn the tables on his opponent second time around.
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Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn rolled back the years as they went face-to-face at their sons’ press conference ahead of their eagerly anticipated rematch this coming weekend
“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,” Benn 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,” he continued.
“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.”
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Speaking ahead of their rematch at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Conor Benn claimed there was no game plan in place for the first fight and has vowed to avenge the defeat handed to him by Chris Eubank Jr
Until coming to this agreement with Benn, Eubank Jr had never fought under the stipulation of a rehydration clause before. He was hospitalised after the first fight with severe dehydration but committed himself to a 170lb fight-day limit for the rematch.
He has been vociferous in his criticism of his opponent.
“It doesn’t sadden me because I know what we have to do and what is expected of us,” he said. “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.”
Chris Eubank Jr had to pay Conor Benn a hefty fine after he just missed weight for their first fight
‘There’s no weight advantage in this fight’
Chris Eubank Jr speaking to Sky Sports News…
“Another half a million dollar fine would have been obscene. We made sure we were on weight. We actually came in light this time, just to make sure, just in case there was any funny business going on at the weigh in. So the objective has been made and now it’s time to go and fight.
“There’s more pressure for him I believe. For me it’s about going out there and doing what I know I can do. Imposing my will.
“He’s heavy… There’s no weight advantage in this fight. We’re the same size.”
Conor Benn speaking to Sky Sports News…
“Just excited to get in there. The hard work’s been done. All that’s now is time to fight and have a little dance.
“Everything was intense [in the first fight], emotions were heightened, whereas now for me this is all fun and I’m excited to get in there and get redemption.
“Just get in there and give the people what they pay for.”
