Chris Eubank Jr weight controversy has taken center stage once again after the British boxer missed the agreed limit by just 0.05lb ahead of his highly anticipated grudge match with Conor Benn. The minor overage triggered a hefty £375,000 fine due to strict weight and rehydration clauses in place for Saturday’s bout.
Eubank vs Benn: The Weight Drama Unfolds
At the official weigh-in held privately at a London hotel on Friday, Chris Eubank Jr initially tipped the scales at 11st 6.2lb, narrowly missing the 11st 6lb limit. A second attempt also failed, confirming the breach of the contracted terms. In contrast, Conor Benn came in surprisingly light at 11st 2lb, well below the agreed limit.
The weight issue has only intensified the spotlight on the Eubank vs Benn showdown, already steeped in legacy and rivalry. Their fathers, Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn, shared two iconic fights in the 1990s, and the sons’ bout was rescheduled following Benn’s failed drug test in 2022.
Rehydration Clause Boxing Rules in Effect
Both fighters are bound by a rehydration clause—a condition designed to limit how much weight they can gain post-weigh-in. Under this rule, neither Eubank nor Benn can exceed 12st 1lb on Saturday morning. Any further violation by Eubank could result in an additional fine.
According to Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn, the next weigh-in will be at 08:00 BST, just hours before the fight at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Eubank typically regains up to 14lb after weigh-ins, raising questions about whether he can remain within the allowed weight window.
Benn Responds: “Show Me the Money”
Benn, who is set to receive the Eubank weight fine, reacted with a cheeky “Show me the money” on social media. The psychological momentum appears to be tilting in Benn’s favor, especially after calling Eubank “fat boy” at Thursday’s press conference.
Adding to the tension, Chris Eubank Jr was visibly strained in a video he posted titled “Pain is temporary… glory is forever”, showing him trying to shed the last pounds in a sweat suit.
More Fines and Fallout
This isn’t the first time Eubank has been fined—he previously paid £100,000 for slapping Benn with an egg during a media event. He also voluntarily spent £50,000 compensating boxers affected by the 2022 cancellation.
Analysis: Is the Weight Cut Too Much for Eubank?
The weight miss, while marginal—comparable to the weight of a single AA battery—could have outsized implications. The Eubank Jr weight issue draws attention to the ongoing debate about rehydration clause boxing and its effect on fighter performance and safety.
With Benn looking fresh and focused, the psychological edge may rest with him. The ceremonial weigh-in in Islington later tonight is expected to be a fiery affair, setting the stage for a clash steeped in family history, controversy, and high stakes.
