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Final Weigh-In Drama: Eubank Jr vs. Benn Showdown Approaches
Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn faced off at their ceremonial weigh-in, a moment marked by tension as Eubank narrowly exceeded the middleweight limit earlier that day.
Eubank tipped the scales at 160.05 lbs, slightly over the 160 lbs mark, while Benn, stepping up from welterweight, weighed in comfortably at 156 lbs 4 oz. This misstep for Eubank is expected to come with significant financial ramifications.
The pair is set to headline a major Ring Magazine event at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Box Office. Eubank’s weight issue has not only drawn scrutiny but also resulted in a hefty fine.
Despite the situation, Eubank maintained a confident demeanor during the event, greeted by a mixed chorus of boos and applause.
“It is what it is. If they are going to take half a million from me for being half an ounce over, that reflects on Eddie Hearn, Matchroom, and Conor Benn,” Eubank stated. “Weight has nothing to do with what happens tomorrow night. I plan to go in there and stop this guy.”
In their final stare-down, Eubank locked eyes with Benn, holding a confident gaze until Benn looked away first. This moment added another psychological layer to the bout, as Benn celebrated Eubank’s weight transgressions.
“It’s a costly mistake, but he should have made the weight,” Benn commented. “He’s expecting sympathy, but he won’t find any here. As a 147 fighter, I’ll leverage my speed and aggression. I’m neither scared nor intimidated; I’m eager for Saturday. I’m here to take him out.”
In addition to the weigh-in complications, Eubank faces another hurdle: a fight-day rehydration clause that limits both fighters to no more than 10 lbs over the limit by the morning weigh-in, scheduled for Saturday between 8 am and 9 am. Exceeding 170 lbs would trigger another substantial fine.
“The rehydration clause is still in effect,” Eubank confirmed, “so I have to be cautious about what I eat and drink. But distractions like this won’t deter my focus. He’s in for a major surprise; he has no clue about the pain awaiting him.”
The Legacy of Their Fathers
Eubank also noted his ambition to surpass the legendary matchup between their fathers, stating, “This fight will be one of the best the British public has seen in over a decade. My aim is to outdo what my father and Nigel Benn accomplished 35 years ago; that’s how significant this fight is.”
However, he recognized the challenge ahead with the impending weight check.
“I can’t rehydrate as much as I normally would without risking another financial hit,” he added. “Yet, the struggle of making weight is minor compared to my recent challenges. There were issues during the training camp that the public is unaware of—things that would have sidelined anyone else. I didn’t give up; my heart is set on maintaining our family’s legacy.”
Undercard Fighters Prepped
Meanwhile, the undercard fighters successfully made their weight. Following some provocative comments at the press conference, Brandon Glanton weighed in at 199.5 lbs and issued an apology while still targeting a knockout against Chris Billam-Smith at 199 lbs.
“Chris is going down,” Glanton asserted, while Billam-Smith remained unfazed. “He’s still learning, and he’ll learn more on Saturday. The only sleep I’ll be getting is on my way home.”
Viddal Riley (199.2 lbs) is set to clash with British cruiserweight champion Cheavon Clarke (198.7 lbs) in an anticipated bout, while former world champion Liam Smith (160 lbs) faces unbeaten contender Aaron McKenna (159.7 lbs) from Ireland. Additionally, Anthony Yarde (174.2 lbs) and Lyndon Arthur (174.6 lbs) meet for a deciding bout in their competitive series.
“He said I looked scared,” Arthur remarked. “Do I look scared? I believe I’ll stop him.”
Catch Chris Eubank Jr vs. Conor Benn live on April 26 on Sky Sports Box Office. Book now!
Source
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