Hearn Confident Eubank Jr. Vs. Benn Rematch Will Be A “Record-Breaking” Spectacle Despite Criticisms

Eddie Hearn predicts that the Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn rematch will be a “record-breaking event” when it takes place on September 20th. The Matchroom promoter believes there’s going to be even more interest in a second fight between Benn and Eubank Jr. than last April, which was a pretty one-sided fight with Chris Jr. winning easily.

Hearn says he’s leaving it up to “His Excellency” Turki Alalshikh to reveal the location of the event. With him saying it’s going to be “record-breaking,” it narrows down the options for London.

Wembley Stadium would be the most likely venue, but it’s a risky choice, as fans might turn their noses up at a needless rematch with no absolutely sporting value. It’s celebrity boxing. Eubank Jr. (35-3, 25 KOs) is 35 years old and is nowhere near the level of the world champions.

Hearn: “Record-Breaking” Benn-Eubank 2

“It’s going to be a record-breaking event. Conor Benn can fight on Saturday. He’s ready. September 20th is 12, 13 weeks away? It’s still a long time to go, but we’re ready and we’re ready for a massive event,” said Eddie Hearn to iFL TV.

Hearn’s prediction for a record-breaking event would make more sense if Benn knocked off one or two solid middleweight contenders between a second fight with Eubank Jr. Fans would view him as having more of a chance in a rematch, and would be more willing to purchase the event on PPV. That’s not happening. The two will return solely to collect their paychecks from the Saudis.

“We have a contract with Saudi Arabia for two fights under the same terms, regarding the rehydration,” said Hearn about the 10-lb rehydration clause. “Chris Eubank Jr. slept in on Saturday morning because he was fine, and weighed in with his clothes and jacket on. He was a pound under. The rehydration was not a problem.”

Benn-Eubank 2 Rehydration Clause

People are making too much out of the 10-lb rehydration clause for the fight. While it’s going to be a nuisance for Eubank Jr, he’s going to deal with it and still dominate Benn because he’s a far better fighter. Benn is a limited fighter who should be competing at welterweight, and even in that weight class, he would be a bottom-feeder. He’s not on the level of the top contenders like Shakhram Giyasov or Eimantas Stanionis.

Hearn knows better than to match Benn against those guys, and he definitely wouldn’t be crazy enough to put him in a title fight against WBO champion Brian Norman Jr. and watch him get destroyed. British fan interest in Benn would evaporate overnight after a brutal early knockout loss to Norman Jr.

“160, I believe he had a problem with. A lot of fighters struggle at the weight, but that’s his weight. You can’t say it was out of order, making him weigh 160. No, it wasn’t. That’s his weight. His last