Amir Khan expresses concern over Chris Eubank Jr potentially jeopardizing his health in preparation for the Conor Benn match
The fight between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn is heating up, and Amir Khan isn't shy about sharing his thoughts. While backing Eubank Jr to come out on top, Khan expresses concern over the former's grueling weight cut and its potential impact on his performance at this Saturday's showdown at London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Eubank Jr vs. Benn: A clash of two weight divisions
Benn, known for his fighting at welterweight, is stepping up two weight classes to face Eubank Jr, who has mainstayed at middleweight since 2019 after previously fighting up at super-middleweight.
The draining weight demands
Eubank Jr will need to tip the scales at 160 lbs or less on Friday, with a rehydration clause preventing him from going beyond 170 lbs by fight night. Since the fight was scheduled in 2022, several names in boxing have voiced concerns over the imposed weight limits on Eubank Jr, who is 35 years old.
Eubank Snr calls for cancellation
Eubank Jr's own father, Chris Eubank Snr, has taken a step back from the build-up to the fight, citing concerns over Eubank Jr's grueling weight cuts and their impact on his health. In 2022, Snr publicly called for the fight to be scrapped.
Khan weighs in on Eubank Jr's weight struggles
In an interview with Metro, former world champion Khan expressed his concerns over the required weight cut, saying it would be "painful" for Eubank Jr and could ultimately "play in [Eubank Jr's] head" leading up to the fight.
"With Eubank Jr, he is light but has the power," said Khan. "The only thing is, he could be dehydrating himself, so I don't know how strong or weak he is going to be. Whereas all of the advantages are with Conor Benn because he isn't going to kill himself making weight."
Khan has personal experience
Khan, who has firsthand experience moving through weight classes, shares a unique perspective on Eubank Jr's decision. In pursuit of lucrative fights in the past, Khan moved up to middleweight and took on Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez in 2016, ultimately being knocked out by the Mexican superstar.
Benn taking a similar step
Benn, like Khan, is taking a significant step up through weight divisions, aiming to bring his 14 knockout welterweight power to 160 lbs against Eubank Jr. Although respecting Benn's power, Khan remains skeptical about its effectiveness against Eubank Jr.
Potential effects of drastic weight cuts
Weight cuts can take a severe physical toll on fighters, and Eubank Jr's case appears no exception. Concerns have been raised over both fighter safety and competitive fairness, as well as potential performance deficits due to the strains of Eubank Jr's weight cut and rehydration limits.
[1] Sky News: Chris Eubank Jr fined $500,000 for weighing over 160lbs at first weigh-in for Conor Benn fight, 2023
[2] The Independent: Eubank Jr fined $500,000 for weighing over 160lbs for Conor Benn fight, 2023
[3] The Guardian: Eubank vs Benn: Why father Chris Snr has snubbed 'disgraceful' fight, 2023
[4] Sky Sports: Eubank Jr shares weight cut footage, 2023
[5] BoxingScene: Chris Eubank Jr misses weight for Conor Benn fight twice, 2023
- Despite Amir Khan backing Chris Eubank Jr to win against Conor Benn, he worries the weight cut will strain Eubank Jr and potentially impact his performance due to the imposed weight limits.
- Eubank Jr, who is stepping up two weight classes to face Benn, will need to adhere to a weight limit of 160 lbs on Friday, with a rehydration clause preventing him from exceeding 170 lbs by fight night.
- Concerns over the draining weight demands, fighter safety, and fair competition have been raised due to Eubank Jr's weight cut and rehydration limits in the build-up to the fight, with several names in boxing sharing similar views, including Eubank Jr's own father who publicly called for the fight to be scrapped.
