In a dramatic turn of events leading up to one of the most highly anticipated boxing matches of the year, Chris Eubank Jr has been fined £375,000 after failing to make weight for his bout against Conor Benn, scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Eubank, 35, tipped the scales at 160.2 pounds on his first attempt and 160.05 pounds on his second, missing the 160-pound middleweight limit by a mere 0.05 pounds. This minuscule margin, equivalent to the weight of a single AA battery, has triggered significant financial penalties and heightened the stakes for the fighters.
Benn, who has primarily fought at welterweight, weighed in at a surprisingly light 156.4 pounds, showcasing his well-prepared physique for the matchup. The contrasting weight cuts have added an intriguing layer to this already intense rivalry, which has its roots in the historic clashes between their fathers in the 1990s. Both fighters are bound by a rehydration clause, which prohibits them from exceeding 170 pounds on the morning of the fight, further complicating Eubank's situation as he faces the prospect of a further fine if he cannot meet this limit.
"Show me the money," Benn cheekily remarked in a social media video, celebrating his unexpected financial gain from Eubank's misstep. The fight is expected to draw significant attention, with both fighters reportedly set to earn seven-figure purses. The weigh-in took place behind closed doors at a London hotel before the ceremonial weigh-in later that evening, which will be open to the public.
In the lead-up to the weigh-in, Eubank faced scrutiny for his late arrival, showing up over an hour past the scheduled time of 11:00 BST. This delay sparked rumors of his struggles with weight, which have been a hot topic throughout the fight's promotion. Eubank has previously expressed concerns about the difficulty of cutting down to 160 pounds, especially with the added pressure of the rehydration clause limiting his recovery post-weigh-in.
"I actually have no idea how my body's going to react," Eubank stated. "Usually I put on around 14 pounds after a weigh-in. In this instance, I can only put on 10. I have a decision to make on the day of the fight about how best to manage my weight." This uncertainty adds an extra layer of drama to an already charged atmosphere as the fighters prepare for their showdown.
The match marks a significant chapter in a long-standing rivalry, previously set to reignite in October 2022 before being derailed by a positive drugs test from Benn. The stakes have never been higher, with both fighters eager to prove themselves in the ring. Eubank, reflecting on his weight struggles, noted, "The weight is painful. I'm in pain right now. But the question I ask myself is what is pain? I have a 31-year-old brother, he is buried in the desert in Dubai, that's pain." His emotional reflection underscores the personal stakes involved in this match.
As the ceremonial weigh-in approaches, fans can expect a charged atmosphere, with Eubank and Benn likely to engage in further psychological warfare. The history between the two fighters, coupled with the weight drama, creates a perfect storm for what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed that both fighters will hit the scales again at approximately 08:00 BST on Saturday morning, with Eubank facing a potential further fine if he does not meet the rehydration requirements. The fight is not only a personal battle but also a significant event in the boxing calendar, drawing attention from fans and analysts alike.
In the days leading up to the fight, Eubank's weight has been a major talking point, with Benn's team feeling confident that the rehydration clause will level the playing field. Eubank's experience at middleweight contrasts sharply with Benn's lighter frame, raising questions about how the weight cut will affect Eubank's performance on fight night.
As the rivalry intensifies, both fighters are prepared to put everything on the line. Eubank's previous fine of £100,000 for slapping Benn with an egg at a press conference earlier this year adds to the drama surrounding this bout. The psychological edge seems to favor Benn, who has been vocal about his confidence leading into the fight.
With the ceremonial weigh-in set to take place later today, fans are eagerly anticipating the final face-off between these two fierce competitors. The atmosphere at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is expected to be electric as Eubank and Benn prepare to settle their differences in the ring.
As the countdown continues, the world of boxing watches closely, eager to see how this grudge match unfolds. Will Eubank overcome his weight challenges to claim victory, or will Benn's preparation and lighter frame give him the edge? Only time will tell as the fighters step into the ring for what promises to be a memorable night in boxing history.
