When it came to the Chris Eubank Jr. vs Conor Benn clash, it always boiled down to one thing—weight. For a fight that spent nearly three years stuck in negotiation limbo, the eventual bout came with its fair share of baggage. Despite the uphill battle to pack on the pounds, the long-awaited showdown finally went ahead on April 26th. Last Saturday’s clash at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was set at a middleweight limit of 11st 6lb (160lbs), though Eubank Jr. tipped the scales ever so slightly over—just 0.05lb—but enough to earn him a staggering $500,000 fine. Still, that didn’t stop him from seeing the business through to the end.
All three judges scored the bout 116-112 in favor of Chris Eubank Jr., sealing a unanimous decision win for the IBO middleweight champion. The fight itself was a barnburner, but lacked that one punch-perfect moment to truly define it. However, as soon as the dust settled, Conor Benn was already calling for a rematch. He may have put on what many are calling his best performance to date, but tasting his first career defeat clearly didn’t sit well. And who can blame him? The rematch was supposedly a done deal—set to happen in just a few months—but don’t bet the house on it just yet. There are already whispers that things might be just as rough the second time around, if not more.
Signed, Sealed… Stuck? Chris Eubank Jr. can’t escape
Yesterday, during a candid interview with IFL TV, Eddie Hearn was hit with a hypothetical question about the Chris Eubank Jr. vs Conor Benn rematch. What if Chris Eubank Jr. approached the Matchroom boss and said, ‘I want the rematch, but I can’t do that restriction on weight again, I can’t do the rehydration.’ How would Hearn respond? “Well, that’s an issue,” Hearn admitted. “Because he signed to do it.” In other words, Eubank already agreed—on paper—to the terms, which include strict limits on weight and rehydration for both fights (just like the first match). It’s not just about what’s fair anymore; it’s about what was already inked in the contract. Still, Hearn wasn’t completely rigid.
“HE SIGNED THE DEAL TO DO THE TWO FIGHTS AND WE KNOW THE TERMS OF THAT DEAL”@EddieHearn has revealed that IF Chris Eubank Jr was to ask for no rehydration clause for his rematch with Conor Benn then it WOULD be an issue.
Do you think there should be a rehydration clause for… pic.twitter.com/BPO5yIV0oh
— IFL TV (@IFLTV) April 30, 2025
“But obviously, we’ve gotta make sure that his health is in check,” he added. So there’s the balance: sticking to the signed terms versus safeguarding a fighter’s wellbeing. That’s the tightrope promoters are walking now. According to Hearn, “He signed a deal to do 2 fights.” And both sides know exactly what they signed up for. But whether that second fight can stick to the original terms, especially if the 35-3 boxer feels the weight cut was too draining, is still up in the air.
The rematch may be penciled in, but don’t be surprised if the fine print starts causing friction. But is Eddie Hearn’s own fighter ready to run it back right away?
Plenty in line, but Chris Eubank Jr.’s the headline
A few days ago, Ring Magazine revealed on Instagram that “EUBANK JR VS BENN HAS A REMATCH CLAUSE WHICH GIVES BENN THE OPPORTUNITY TO FORCE SECOND FIGHT.” According to reports, that rematch could happen as soon as five months from now. With both fighters having agreed to the clause beforehand, the ball is now firmly in Benn’s court. Does he want to run it back, or shift focus and return to the welterweight division?
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 05: Conor Benn trains during a Media Workout at The Now Building on October 05, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images)
Conor Benn has made it clear. He’s more than open to a rematch. Especially after such a close and fiercely contested fight. But he’s not short on options. One path leads back to 147 lbs, where world title opportunities are waiting. Promoter Eddie Hearn has his eye on that direction too, saying, “I would like to see him return to 147 [pounds] and fight for a world title.”
And if the 23-1 boxer chooses to go that route, the landscape at welterweight is promising. Hearn mentioned Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis, who’s gunning for undisputed status. With plenty of potential matchups lined up, the idea of chasing gold at 147 lbs is more than just talk.
Still, the Chris Eubank Jr. rematch looms large. “I think he can win the rematch, and I think it’s the biggest fight in Britain,” Eddie Hearn remarked. But even he admits—this isn’t a decision to take lightly. So now, all eyes are on Conor Benn. Will he seek redemption against Chris Eubank Jr., or pivot to a world title hunt at 147?
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