By Craig Daly: Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn went at it in a thoroughly entertaining kickoff press conference on Friday to promote their mouth-watering October 8th catchweight fight on DAZN PPV at the O2 Arena in London.
Benn (21-0, 14 KOs), who is coming up in weight from 147 to battle former IBO super middleweight champion Eubank Jr (32-2, 23 KOs) at a 157-lb catchweight, labeled Chris as playing the underdog role by saying that he’ll be at a disadvantage in terms of making weight.
Eubank Jr will not only need to get down to 157 for the fight to avoid a fine but also, there’s reportedly a rehydration clause.
That could be an even bigger factor in draining Eubank Jr, given that he’ll need to restrict fluids after the weigh-in to avoid coming in overweight at the secondary weigh-in on the morning of the contest.
What many boxing fans don’t know is the absolute cutoff weight for the weigh-in is 158.5. As such, if Eubank Jr. comes in at 159 lbs, for example, the fight is off, according to trainer Tony Simms.
Chris Eubank Jr: “You’ve got balls, kid. You’ve got some big old balls.”
Conor Benn: “You’ll find out, mate. Don’t worry about that. You’ll find out.”
Eubank: “Maybe I will.”
Benn: “You’re playing the underdog card. Oh yeah, they’re challenging me.”
Eubank Jr: “I don’t think I’m the underdog.”
Benn: “That’s the card you’re trying to play.”
Eubank Jr: “No, I’m not. You can’t beat me.”
Benn: “Mentioning a drop in weight is a disadvantage. We were told you can make this wait. Why are you saying this is a disadvantage? Surely going up two waits is a disadvantage.”
Eubank Jr: “We both have advantages and disadvantages leading up to this fight.”
Benn: “Fair, but you’re playing the underdog card.”
Eubank Jr: “Conor, you can’t beat me.”
Benn: “I’m going to say the same thing about you. You not seeing this as a 50-50 is a problem with your ego.”
Eubank Jr: “It’s not.”
Benn: “Of course, it is. You taking me lightly is going to be your problem.”
Eubank Jr: “Yes, I am taking you lightly. I can’t do anything else but take you lightly. I underestimate you because I know what I am. I don’t see the pedigree and the grade that people are giving you. I don’t see it. Maybe I’m wrong.”
Benn: “Maybe people don’t see it in you. Delusional.”
Eubank Jr: “I’ve been called delusional my entire career.”
Benn: “So have I, mate.”
Eubank Jr: “So, we’re both these two delusional guys, and I guess we’re going to find out who is the most delusional in a couple of months, which is the sexy thing about it.”
Benn: “That’s fine. We’ll see, won’t we?”
