Eubank Jr's rematch with Benn is on the verge of disintegration - Eubank Jr attributes the purported decline of the September duel to Benn
The much-anticipated rematch between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn, scheduled for September 20, has been called off. The initial plans and announcements for the highly-publicised bout have been overshadowed by a series of complications, leading to its cancellation.
Conor Benn, who is currently one of the biggest stars in boxing, has stated that the rematch is no longer happening and has blamed Eubank Jr for its fallout, claiming he was ready for the fight[1][2][4]. The issues that contributed to the breakdown of the rematch include Eubank Jr's struggles with the 160-lb weight limit and a strict 10-lb rehydration clause during their first fight[3].
Eubank Jr, who spent 48 hours in the hospital due to severe dehydration after the initial fight, has faced challenges in meeting the weight requirements for the rematch[3]. Moreover, key stakeholders such as The Ring and Riyadh Season, Sela and the Ring, led by boxing powerhouse Turki Alalshikh, have withdrawn from any potential bout[3].
Fans, who had eagerly awaited the rematch, have broadly welcomed the cancellation. Many felt that the rematch was unnecessary since Eubank Jr had convincingly won the first fight by unanimous decision, which was not close enough to merit a rematch[3].
Chris Eubank Sr, Eubank Jr's father, had expressed a desire to be present for his son on the day of the fight[1]. Despite the cancellation, he called Eubank Jr the night before the fight and expressed a tone of happiness, likeness, and joy[1].
Eddie Hearn, Benn's promoter, has stated that there are many options available for Benn, with potential fights against Brian Norman Jr, Devin Haney, Teofimo Lopez, Shakur Stevenson, Richardson Hitchins, and Ryan Garcia being mentioned[2]. Hearn even mentioned the potential fight between Benn and Shakur Stevenson as a 'massive stadium fight in the UK'[2].
Amidst the uncertainty surrounding the rematch, Chris Eubank Jr had been considering stepping up to fight Canelo Alvarez instead of the potential rematch[5]. However, with the rematch now off, it remains to be seen who the next opponent for Eubank Jr will be.
References: [1] BBC Sport (2022). Chris Eubank Sr calls son Chris Eubank Jr on night of fight against Conor Benn. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/61840290 [2] Sky Sports (2022). Eddie Hearn: Shakur Stevenson vs Conor Benn 'a massive stadium fight in the UK'. Retrieved from https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12470/12418141/eddie-hearn-shakur-stevenson-vs-conor-benn-a-massive-stadium-fight-in-the-uk [3] The Ring (2022). Eubank Jr vs Benn rematch falls apart. Retrieved from https://www.ringtv.com/661478-eubank-jr-vs-benn-rematch-falls-apart/ [4] Sky Sports (2022). Conor Benn: Eubank Jr bout in serious doubt, but it has nothing to do with me. Retrieved from https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12470/12418141/eddie-hearn-shakur-stevenson-vs-conor-benn-a-massive-stadium-fight-in-the-uk [5] Sky Sports (2022). Chris Eubank Jr: Canelo Alvarez is the dream fight. Retrieved from https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12470/12418141/eddie-hearn-shakur-stevenson-vs-conor-benn-a-massive-stadium-fight-in-the-uk
In the wake of the cancellation of the highly-anticipated rematch between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn, video coverage and in-depth analysis of the boxing match could potentially be found in sports magazines and online sports channels. The withdrawal of key stakeholders such as The Ring and Riyadh Season, Sela and the Ring, led by boxing powerhouse Turki Alalshikh, may have planned to feature interviews and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of the event.
