Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has stated definitively that the 170lb rehydration limit will be enforced if Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn meet for a second time.
The British rivals recently competed in an exciting 12-round contest in London, captivating a large crowd at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Adding to the drama of their family-rooted rivalry, Chris Eubank Sr joined his son before the bout in a poignant moment.
This reunion seemingly provided Eubank (35-3, 25 KOs) with an extra edge, helping him secure a unanimous decision victory over Benn, who is naturally smaller.
The significant size difference between the two fighters was a major point of debate leading up to the event, with many questioning who would gain the advantage on fight night.
On one side, Benn faced a considerable challenge by moving up 13 pounds from his natural welterweight division.
Conversely, Eubank`s struggle to meet the 160lb weigh-in limit, followed by the restriction to stay below the 170lb rehydration cap, was also seen as a significant hurdle.
Despite concerns about the impact of drastic weight management in the sport, Hearn maintains that the 170lb cap for Eubank, a career middleweight, was absolutely necessary.
A contract for a rematch later this year is already in place, though Benn`s career trajectory could potentially shift in a different direction.
Speaking after the fight, Hearn, who promotes the 28-year-old Benn (23-1, 14 KOs), hinted that Benn might consider moving down one or two weight classes in the future.
Hearn commented that Eubank`s weight was monitored throughout fight week and he was precisely on target on the morning of the fight. He noted that Eubank was tight at the weight the day before, which is typical for him, but attributed a late arrival to the official weigh-in as the reason he missed the 160lb mark, suggesting he could have made it comfortably otherwise.
Hearn emphasized that Eubank agreed to the terms, including the rehydration clause, calling it “the art of a contract,” and felt the terms were appropriate.
He expressed concern regarding Conor Benn`s well-being in such a challenging fight and stressed the need to carefully consider the rematch, stating he doesn`t want Benn to experience too many bouts of this nature.
Hearn confirmed that the terms for the return fight are already agreed upon and replicate those of the initial contract concerning the weight restrictions.
