Chris Eubank Jr. has been fined £375,000 after missing the weight for his highly anticipated grudge match against Conor Benn. The 35-year-old middleweight failed to make the 11st 6lb limit by just 0.05lb, causing a financial setback and raising further questions over his preparation.
Eubank initially weighed 0.2lb over the limit, and despite an attempt to shed the extra weight, he remained over the required amount on his second try.
Benn, by contrast, made weight comfortably, coming in at 11st 2lb, slightly lighter than anticipated.
Both fighters are bound by a rehydration clause, which limits their weight gain to 12st 1lb on the morning of the fight.
Benn, 28, posted a video on social media ahead of the weigh-in, jokingly saying, "Show me the money," in reference to the financial penalties.
The weigh-in, which was held behind closed doors at a London hotel, has been a focal point throughout the week, with weight issues becoming a major talking point.
A ceremonial weigh-in will take place later on Friday in Islington, open to the public. The fight is scheduled for Saturday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
This fight has been marred by controversy and delayed before. A planned bout between the two in October 2022 was called off when Benn failed a drugs test.
Benn's team has expressed concern over the rehydration clause, which they believe levels the playing field given Eubank's history of significant weight fluctuations after weigh-ins.
Eubank, known for his middleweight experience, usually puts on about 14lb after a weigh-in. In the days leading up to this weigh-in, he had two options: to either regain the weight and then shed 4lb on the morning of the fight, or remain within the 10lb window as stipulated by the clause.
This is not the first financial hit for Eubank. Earlier this year, he was fined £100,000 for slapping Benn with an egg at a press conference. Additionally, he has voluntarily compensated £50,000 to boxers who were affected by the cancelled 2022 event.
With the fight set to take place on Saturday, Eubank will have another chance to make weight.
If he misses the limit again, he faces further fines, potentially increasing the cost of his preparation for this eagerly awaited contest.
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