Promoter Eddie Hearn believes Chris Eubank Jr. may have fought for the final time after dropping a unanimous decision to Conor Benn in their November rematch at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Following the defeat, Hearn suggested the 36-year-old former contender could now retire, claiming the first meeting between the pair “changed” Eubank Jr. and contributed to Saturday’s result.
However, the discussion surrounding the rematch has been overshadowed by criticism of the bout’s dual weight stipulations. Eubank Jr., who typically campaigns at 168 pounds, was required to make 160 lbs while also adhering to a 10-pound rehydration clause, a combination many argue left him significantly weakened. Although Benn received wide scorecards—118-109, 117-110, and 116-111 - the win has been labeled an “asterisk” victory in some circles due to the contractual conditions in place.
Critics argue that Hearn’s post-fight praise for Benn’s improvement ignores the advantage created by the weight requirements. They contend that the outcome may have looked very different had Benn himself been forced into a similar scenario, such as cutting from 147 to 140 with a tight rehydration limit. The argument raises questions about whether Benn’s next steps at 160 should involve top-tier middleweights rather than a drained Eubank Jr.
Nevertheless, Hearn doubled down in the post-fight press conference, saying, “It didn’t matter if Eubank was better tonight. We were still winning the fight.” He added that while their brutal first encounter changed Eubank Jr., it “just made [Benn] better.”
So, it remains unclear whether Eubank Jr. will continue his career, but the debate over the conditions of the rematch shows no signs of slowing.
Image Credit: Sky Sports