Boxing's Dangerous Weight Game Exposed in Eubank-Benn Clash
The long-awaited rematch between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ended not just with a decisive victory for Benn, but with serious questions about boxing's safety protocols and the future of both fighters.
Chris Eubank Jr suffered a comprehensive defeat, being knocked down twice in the final round before losing unanimously on all scorecards. Many observers noted that Eubank appeared to lose every one of the twelve rounds in what proved to be an underwhelming conclusion to the family saga.
Reckless Weight Manipulation Puts Fighter Safety at Risk
The most concerning aspect of Saturday night's fight was the dangerous weight manipulation both fighters underwent to meet the catchweight requirements. Eubank Jr admitted he had been 'through hell and back' to make weight for the bout, with strict rehydration clauses limiting how many ounces he could regain after the weigh-in.
Boxing authorities now face urgent calls to prohibit contracts that restrict rehydration, with dehydration being recognised as a primary cause of cerebral damage in the sport. The financial incentives - reportedly £10 million for Eubank and £8 million for Benn - apparently overrode safety considerations.
Had the extreme weight cutting resulted in permanent brain damage or worse, the subsequent investigation could have had criminal implications for all parties involved, including serious consequences for boxing itself.
Public Reaction and Future Prospects
The paying customers at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium expressed their dissatisfaction with boos raining down throughout the fight, suggesting they sensed something was fundamentally wrong with the contest. Despite attempts to fill the stadium, empty seats were visible throughout the event.
Benn showed common sense by being first to declare this particular family saga finished, stating there would be no trilogy fight. On current evidence, a third match would struggle to attract significant interest, let alone fill a major venue.
For Eubank Jr, retirement now appears the most sensible option after being comprehensively outboxed. Meanwhile, Benn's future lies in returning to his natural fighting weight if he hopes to ever challenge for a world title, though this remains far from guaranteed despite his victory.
The fight's most telling moment came when Benn knocked Eubank down twice in the final round, though these were described as 'flash knockdowns' against a physically diminished opponent. Eubank did show resilience by rising immediately both times and reaching the final bell without appearing concussed.
This sorry saga serves as a stark reminder that while catchweight fights between fighters from adjacent divisions might be acceptable, compromising fighter safety for financial gain is completely unforgivable.
