Eubank weighed in behind closed doors on Friday morning, in front of fans for a ceremonial weigh-in on Friday evening, and then for a second official weigh-in on Saturday Chris Eubank Jr v Conor Benn Venue:Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Date:26 April Coverage:Follow live text and radio commentary from 19:00 BST on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website and app before switching to BBC Radio 5 Live at 21:30 Chris Eubank Jr weighed inside the 12st 1lb limit at a second weight check for Saturday's middleweight contest with Conor Benn at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Eubank wasfined £375,000 after missing the weight at the first weigh-inon Friday by just 0.05lb. Both British fighters were bound by a rehydration clause that prohibited them from weighing more than the 12st 1lb limit on Saturday morning. But Eubank weighed 0.6lb below the limit and avoids a second fine. Benn, who hit the scales at 11st 2lb on Friday, added 9lb. Eubank is the bigger man of the two and normally fights two weight classes higher than Benn, who is a natural welterweight. Eubank, 35, and Benn, 28, meet over 30 years after their father's rivalry in the 1990s. The sons were scheduled to face each other in 2022 but the fight was cancelled because Benn failed a drugs test. Benn, who has denied intentional doping and has been cleared to fight by anti-doping authorities, is unbeaten in 23 pro fights. Eubank - who has won 34 and lost three - has racked up over£500,000 in finesandpayments to undercard fightersbefore he has stepped in the ring. Both men are expected to earn a seven-figure purse for the fight. This video can not be played Watch Eubank and Benn weigh in Eubank's weight has been a major talking point in the build-up and particularly during fight week. He weighed 0.2lb over the 11st 6lb limit on the first attempt on Friday and was still too heavy the second time. The rehydration clause has been criticised by some in boxing, including Eubankâs father, Chris Eubank Sr. Former undisputed light-welterweight champion Josh Taylor has said the contest should be called off. "I think this is potentially a very disastrous night for boxing waiting to happen. I desperately hope this is not the case," the Scotsman added on social media. Benn's team feel the rehydration clause allows for a more level playing field. Fighters generally shed some fat over the period of their training camp to get close to the agreed or stipulated weight limit. Before the weigh-in, which takes place a day before the fight night, they may dehydrate to lose the final bit of weight. Losing water weight close to the fight allows them to refuel with food and water much more easily. Eubank says he would usually put on about 14lb after a weigh-in. Before the first weigh-in, Eubank said his two options were to either put on what he usually would and then cut 4lb early on Saturday, or remain within the 10lb window.
Eubank makes weight on fight day for Benn contest
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Chris Eubank Jr Meets Weight Requirement Ahead of Fight with Conor Benn"
Bbc News
7.6
TruthLens AI Summary
Chris Eubank Jr successfully weighed in at the required limit for his upcoming middleweight contest against Conor Benn, which is set to take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Eubank weighed in at 12st 1lb during a second official weigh-in on Saturday, following a close call during the first weigh-in on Friday where he missed the mark by just 0.05lb. This misstep resulted in a hefty fine of £375,000, but Eubank managed to avoid further penalties by weighing 0.6lb below the limit on the day of the fight. Benn, on the other hand, weighed in at 11st 2lb on Friday and added an additional 9lb before the match. The two fighters are bound by a rehydration clause that limits their weight gain after the weigh-in, a point of contention for some critics in the boxing community. Notably, this fight comes over 30 years after their fathers' historic rivalry, adding an emotional layer to the contest.
The buildup to the fight has been intense, especially regarding Eubank's weight management. His struggles to meet the weight limit have drawn commentary from various figures in the boxing world, including his father, Chris Eubank Sr., who raised concerns about the implications of the rehydration clause. Eubank typically fights at a higher weight class, which makes the weight limit particularly challenging for him. Despite the controversies, both fighters are expected to earn significant purses, potentially reaching seven figures. Eubank holds a professional record of 34 wins and 3 losses, while Benn remains unbeaten in 23 fights. As the fight approaches, anticipation builds, with fans eager to see how the younger generation of fighters will carry on the legacy of their fathers in the ring.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article provides a detailed account of Chris Eubank Jr's weight management leading up to his upcoming fight with Conor Benn. It highlights the importance of weight limits in boxing and the implications of Eubank's initial failure to meet the weight criteria. The tension between the fighters, rooted in their fathers' historical rivalry, adds an emotional layer to their contest.
Weight Management and Controversy
Eubank's struggle to make weight is central to the narrative, as he faced a fine for initially exceeding the limit by a slight margin. The fact that he ultimately met the weight requirement at the second official weigh-in is significant; it indicates his commitment to the fight and could be interpreted as a relief for his supporters. However, the criticism surrounding the rehydration clause raises questions about fairness in the sport, especially with Eubank Sr. voicing concerns. This controversy can shape public perception and affect the fighters' reputations.
Historical Context and Rivalry
The mention of the fighters' fathers adds depth to the story, creating a storyline that resonates with boxing fans who remember the intense rivalry in the 1990s. This historical context not only attracts attention but also builds anticipation for the fight, suggesting that it is more than just a contest between two athletes; it's a continuation of a legacy. The emotional stakes are higher, potentially drawing in viewers who are keen on the narrative as much as the sport itself.
Financial Implications and Audience Engagement
Both fighters are expected to earn significant purses, which reflects the commercial aspect of boxing. The article taps into the financial motivations behind the fight, appealing to audiences interested in the economic side of sports. The substantial fines Eubank has incurred highlight the stakes involved, suggesting that both fighters have a lot to gain and lose, thus engaging fans further.
Public Sentiment and Media Representation
The way Eubank's weight issues are presented might influence public sentiment, portraying him as a fighter overcoming challenges, which can garner sympathy and support. However, the criticism surrounding the rehydration clause and the fines may also create a narrative of scrutiny and pressure, affecting how both fighters are viewed by the public.
Potential Manipulations and Trustworthiness
While the article appears factual, the emphasis on Eubank's weight issues and the financial aspects may suggest a manipulation of the narrative to generate drama. The focus on fines and weight struggles can overshadow the athleticism and skills of the fighters. However, the report's grounding in verifiable events lends it a degree of trustworthiness.
In terms of the broader implications, this fight could influence public interest in boxing, possibly leading to increased viewer engagement and financial investment in the sport. It may also trigger discussions about regulations and fairness in boxing, affecting how future fights are approached.
The article primarily targets boxing enthusiasts and fans of sports drama, tapping into the emotional and historical narrative surrounding the fighters. The implications for the boxing industry, including financial dynamics and regulatory scrutiny, could resonate beyond just this match.
In conclusion, the article serves to enhance the narrative surrounding the fight, emphasizing the challenges faced by Eubank while also engaging a fan base that is deeply invested in the history and emotional stakes of the matchup.