Conor Benn’s Ultimatum for Rematch with Chris Eubank Jr.
Conor Benn has reached a decisive moment in his pursuit of a rematch with Chris Eubank Jr., announcing a deadline for a response. This ultimatum was conveyed by Benn and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, during an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show. Hearn stated,
“We’re in a wait-and-see situation. They should have responded by now given that they agreed to a two-fight contract. Initial discussions indicated a date of September 20 or 27, yet here we are, still waiting. Conor Benn is a significant figure in boxing and deserves clarity on this situation. We need a confirmation soon — ideally within the next day.”
Details of the Tentative Rematch
The rematch, tentatively scheduled for September 20 in Saudi Arabia, was unexpectedly announced by boxing financier Turki Alalshikh, despite ongoing negotiations among involved parties. This announcement caught Eubank’s team off guard, resulting in a lack of acknowledgment on social media. According to Benn, there have been whispers suggesting that Eubank is hesitant about the fight, particularly regarding the 160-pound middleweight limit and a 10-pound rehydration clause.
Benn’s Challenge to Eubank
Benn challenged Eubank, drawing attention to his previous middleweight bouts where Eubank successfully made the weight limit, even stating,
“It’s interesting how he raised concerns about this same weight for our fight, yet there were no complaints when he fought Liam Smith. I’m stepping up in weight to accommodate this fight. If Eubank is feeling apprehensive about September 20, we have alternatives on the table.”
Regulatory Confidence and Benn’s Intentions
Amid these discussions, the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) has shown confidence that Eubank can safely make weight, following a series of check weigh-ins prior to his last fight. This ruling comes despite an earlier investigation that found Eubank guilty of impropriety related to social media comments about his weight cut.
Benn reiterated his commitment to only engage in a rematch under the original stipulations, acknowledging the disparity in weight classes. The welterweight boxer emphasized his intention to reclaim the welterweight championship, framing it as a personal goal that supersedes financial gain. He indicated willingness to proceed with other major bouts, including potential clashes with WBC champion Mario Barrios or even fellow champion Shakur Stevenson, should Eubank decline.
Upcoming Fights and Future Prospects
This Saturday, all eyes will be on the Pacquiao vs. Barrios fight, which could open doors to a major title shot for Benn depending on the outcome. In a subsequent segment of the show, Shakur Stevenson expressed a readiness to move up two divisions to face Benn, a matchup Benn welcomed, insisting he is eager to face the best without any intermediary fights.
As the clock ticks down on Eubank’s opportunity to cement the rematch, Benn’s next steps hinge on the reply he receives — underscoring the mounting tension as both fighters navigate their competitive landscapes in the sport.
