According to promoter Eddie Hearn, Chris Eubank Jr. appeared to be in better physical condition at today’s weigh-in, successfully meeting the weight requirement for his anticipated rematch with Conor Benn this Saturday, November 22nd, in London. The event on Saturday will be broadcast live on DAZN PPV. DAZN Ultimate subscribers will have the advantage of not needing to purchase the fight on pay-per-view.
(Credit: Matthew Pover Matchroom Boxing)
Eubank Jr.’s Weight Management Success
Hearn mentions that Benn’s team is confident about the intensity of the upcoming fight on Saturday. He suggests that concerns primarily come from Eubank Jr.’s camp, stemming from their physically demanding first encounter last April, which led to both fighters requiring hospital care afterward.
“He managed the weight much more effectively this time compared to the last weigh-in, where he didn’t seem as healthy as he does now. I believe he recognizes the threat Conor Benn poses, and he understands the risks involved in this fight,” promoter Eddie Hearn commented to DAZN Boxing, highlighting Chris Eubank Jr.’s improved physical appearance at today’s weigh-in compared to their previous fight against Conor Benn in April.
Having previously made the weight, Eubank Jr. was aware of what was required, which simplified the process of losing weight and reaching 160 pounds. It’s not that Eubank Jr. was afraid of his opponent; he simply knew what he needed to do this time to shed the necessary weight.
Chris Jr. is not the one entering this fight with fear; he was victorious in their last bout. It’s Benn who might be anxious about potentially suffering another defeat.
“I believe he’s put in a lot of effort during training camp and has managed his weight well. Both fighters have adequately prepared for what’s ahead tomorrow night. You can’t underestimate Eubank’s resilience. He’s a tough competitor,” Hearn stated. “He always has been. However, there comes a point in one’s career when enduring such intensity for an extended period becomes too challenging.”
The Reason Behind Eubank Jr.’s Composure
Eubank Jr. is familiar with Benn’s fighting style, having faced similar opponents in the past, such as Liam Williams and Marcus Morrison. These fighters were larger and stronger versions of Benn, yet they proved no match for Eubank Jr.
“There is some apprehension regarding the difficulty of the previous fight. However, I assure you that our team has no concerns about Conor Benn regarding the potential toughness of tomorrow night’s bout,” Hearn noted.
Hearn should perhaps be more concerned about Conor entering this fight, especially since I nearly suffered a stoppage against Eubank Jr. last April. Hearn had previously expressed reservations about placing Benn in another potentially exhausting battle against the larger, more seasoned Eubank Jr., fearing it could shorten his career. He may have overlooked his remarks from the previous seven months.
“We need to carefully consider the rematch because I don’t want him involved in too many fights like that. Such fights can shorten a career, and he has a long one ahead of him,” Hearn mentioned last April after Benn’s loss to Eubank Jr. to Sports Illustrated.
Hearn emphasized that the fight was a genuine war, and he was concerned about the lasting effects on Conor Benn, not wanting him to be used up too quickly. The size disparity of the \
“Although Conor Benn surprised me with his determination and resilience last time, his performance on the night was subpar. We know his capabilities. Had he performed slightly better last time, he might have won the fight. We believe he’s capable of much more,” Hearn commented.
It was the same Benn we’d seen previously. The distinction was that Eubank Jr. absorbed his individual shots and overwhelmed him with rapid combinations, forcing him to endure sustained attacks for the first time in his nine-year career. He was unprepared for that level of intensity. Conor had faced too many weaker opponents and wasn’t adequately ready for this type of fight. These factors are unlikely to change this Saturday.
