According to Sky Sports boxing expert Johnny Nelson, Chris Eubank Jr could face significant challenges making weight for his upcoming rematch with Conor Benn and is unlikely to win the second bout.
The highly anticipated return fight between the British rivals is scheduled for September 20 in London, following Eubank Jr.`s unanimous decision victory in their initial encounter at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last April.
In the first fight, Eubank Jr. was fined after missing the 160-pound limit at the official weigh-in, though he successfully met the 170 lbs rehydration cap on fight morning.
Despite fulfilling the rehydration requirement, Nelson expressed concern that the 35-year-old boxer will again face a demanding training camp, as the rematch is set at the same 160lb middleweight limit with a 10lb rehydration clause.
As far as I know, the agreement is exactly the same as the first fight agreement. Nothing changed. Everything is exactly the same,” Nelson commented to Sky Sports News. “Now I don`t know how Chris will navigate his way around the British Boxing Board of Control`s (BBBofC) stringency in regards to watching what`s happening, because the Boxing Board of Control will put up a lot of pressure.
Eubank Jr. has been summoned by the BBBofC to explain his methods, including the use of a sauna, for cutting weight before the initial fight against Benn.
He had previously shared a video on social media detailing his difficult weight reduction process.
What I`m saying is the Boxing Board of Control have to keep a beady eye on proceedings running up to this so will it be the same all over again? Will it be a real struggle? Will he get fined?
Benn surprised many by hurting Eubank Jr. and absorbing his punches effectively, despite moving up two weight classes for the all-British clash.
Nelson is confident that Benn is capable of avenging his loss in the upcoming rematch.
I don`t think Eubank can improve on his performance,” stated Nelson. “At times in the fight, I thought his legs looked stiff, looked stationary, looked like he was stuck in quicksand. I do see improvement there for Conor and I do think the result will be the other way around in the next fight. I think he`ll go the distance all over again but I think Conor now knows what he`s capable of doing. That`s a bold statement to make because I have ultimate respect for both fighters, to Chris and his dad, Conor and his dad, but you`re saying what you see. If they fight again, I think Conor wins.
Murray Blackwood