CHRIS EUBANK JR vs Conor Benn’s cracking announcement is being held up over their rehydration clause.
The brilliant catchweight bout is set to happen on October 8 at the O2, once the complicated contract is ironed out.
Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr are poised to fight in a catchweight bout on October 8
Eubank Jr is considerably heavier than Benn, who usually competes at 147lbs
The launch press conference was targeted for this Thursday but looks set to be delayed as they go back-and-forth about the crucial bout details.
The 25-year-old welterweight son of British boxing legend Nigel Benn usually competes at 147lbs, while Chris Eubank Sr’s boy, 32, has boxed as high as the super-middle limit of 168lbs.
The pair plan to clash at around 156lbs – which they will have to make at a Friday October 7 event.
But Eubank Jr is set to have restrictions placed on how heavy he can enter the ring the following evening also, to prevent a dangerous mismatch.
The IBF sanctioning body insists on a 10lb limit for their title fights, to prevent fighters getting huge advantages over their rivals.
And, without any stipulations on this mouthwatering non-title showdown, Eubank Jr could take a big advantage over the smaller man.
Kell Brook and Amir Khan settled their decade-long welterweight feud last February at a catchweight limit of 149lbs.
And there was huge confusion up to the night of the fight about the rehydration clause and a secret Saturday afternoon weigh-in that was rumoured to take place.
One fact about the bitter deal was that both men had agreed to pay a £100,000 fine for every single pound they came in over.
So it made plenty of financial sense when both men came in under the cut-off.
And similar financial penalties would likely be in place for this deal, without a belt on the line, and the clash expected to be a huge PPV success.
Eubank Jr was 160lbs for his February middleweight win over Liam Williams, so should be able to diet and dehydrate safely to this new enforced limit.
But Benn being able to control his rehydration will definitely help his brave bid to win at a weight two above his usual.
Scheduled broadcaster DAZN and promoters Matchroom have tried to downplay the negotiations.
But ring icon Nigel Benn took to social media to back his boy, writing: “This is what Conor wants.
“This won’t ruin Conor, he’s not made like that. Let’s see how he does. I’m backing him, win, lose or draw.”
