Chris Eubank Jr will be docked £375,000 after narrowly missing the weight for his highly anticipated showdown with Conor Benn.
The 35-year-old came in just 0.05lb over the agreed limit of 11st 6lb during Friday’s behind-closed-doors weigh-in at a London hotel.
Despite a second attempt, Eubank remained 0.2lb over, breaching the contractual weight clause set ahead of the fight.
His opponent, a lean and focused Conor Benn, tipped the scales comfortably at 11st 2lb – notably light for a man stepping up from welterweight.
Under the rehydration clause agreed by both camps, neither fighter is permitted to weigh more than 12st 1lb on Saturday morning. Eubank’s minor excess has handed Benn a substantial cash windfall, with the fine going directly to him.
In a video posted online, Benn quipped, “Show me the money,” responding to the weight drama with a smile. The pair are both set to earn seven-figure paydays regardless, but the penalty adds extra spice to an already heated rivalry.
Eubank later shared a clip of himself training earlier in the day, captioned “Pain is temporary… glory is forever.” In the footage, he appears drained, wearing a sweatsuit as he attempts to shed the final pounds.
A ceremonial weigh-in open to the public will be held Friday evening in Islington, ahead of Saturday night’s fight at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The weight saga has dominated headlines during fight week, with many suggesting that the strict rehydration clause gives Benn a more level playing field against the naturally bigger Eubank, who typically gains around 14lb post weigh-in.
Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed both fighters are expected to weigh in again at 08:00 BST Saturday.
Should Eubank breach the limit once more, an additional fine will be enforced.
Eubank acknowledged that, heading into the final stretch, he faced a dilemma: either rehydrate as usual and cut 4lb again Saturday morning, or maintain weight within the 10lb rehydration allowance.
With tensions running high and the stakes raised, Saturday’s grudge match is shaping up to be one of the year’s most dramatic contests.
