Conor Benn says Chris Eubank Jr. has 24 hours to confirm their September 20 rematch or he’ll move on to world title plans.
Is the Conor Benn vs Chris Eubank Jr Rematch Happening?
Conor Benn has cast doubt over his anticipated rematch with Chris Eubank Jr, claiming the middleweight is “scared” and delaying confirmation of their planned 20 September showdown.
Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Benn and promoter Eddie Hearn revealed that Eubank Jr. has been handed a strict 24-hour deadline to agree to the terms — or risk losing the rematch altogether.
“They signed a two-fight deal,” Hearn said. “We told them September 20 or 27. They said ‘that’s fine.’ But they’re dragging their heels. We need an answer, and hopefully that will come in the next 24 hours.”
The bout is set to be the second instalment in a bitter family saga that began with Benn and Eubank’s fathers — Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr — in the 1990s.
Their sons’ first fight in April reignited the rivalry in explosive fashion, with Eubank Jr. taking a narrow points victory.
Why Conor Benn Thinks Chris Eubank Jr Is Avoiding the Fight
Benn didn’t hold back during his appearance on Helwani’s show. The 28-year-old accused Eubank of dodging the agreed terms — a 160 lb weight limit and a 170 lb rehydration cap — and questioned the legitimacy of his complaints.
“I’ve heard Eubank doesn’t want the fight. He’s moaning about the weight. But he made 160 for Liam Smith and didn’t complain then. Now suddenly it’s an issue?” Benn said.
Eubank Jr. has spent the majority of his career at middleweight, while Benn, a natural welterweight, has had to bulk up two divisions.
“I’m not a 160 fighter,” Benn said. “I’m putting my career on hold to give the fans what they want.”
Saudi Backing Confirmed — But Is Eubank Still on Board?
Saudi boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh announced the rematch date last month, catching both fighters’ camps by surprise.
While the event is backed by the same Saudi investment that has recently reshaped heavyweight boxing, Eubank’s camp has remained silent on social media.
Promoter Hearn says despite the announcement, nothing has been finalised without Eubank’s explicit agreement.
“They’re just painful to deal with,” Hearn told Helwani. “If he doesn’t want the fight, fine — we’ll move on. Conor has other huge options.”
What’s Next for Conor Benn If the Eubank Rematch Falls Through?
If Eubank walks away, Benn is ready to pivot back to the welterweight division — where he remains undefeated and is eyeing world title gold.
Among the names in the frame is WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, who faces the legendary Manny Pacquiao this weekend in Las Vegas.
Benn had been in talks to fight Barrios before pivoting to the Eubank rivalry and will likely revisit that route if the rematch collapses.
“I want to go back down to 147 where I’m most dangerous,” Benn said. “I want a world title. That’s my goal.”
Could Shakur Stevenson Be Conor Benn’s Next Opponent?
Intriguingly, WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson, who was also a guest on Helwani’s show, challenged Benn live on-air. The American said he’d be willing to move up two weight classes to face Benn in London.
“We can do the fight next,” Benn responded. “No warm-up — I’ll drop back to 147 and fight him straight away.”
Stevenson, who recently defended his WBC belt, fired back with a warning: “Don’t go fighting Eubank and taking punishment, then use it as an excuse when I beat you.”
Is Chris Eubank Jr Avoiding the Rematch?
Benn’s repeated insistence that Eubank is “scared” and deliberately stalling has fuelled speculation among some boxing fans.
Eubank Jr. was fined £10,000 by the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) for alluding to using a banned weight-cut method ahead of the first Benn fight and was hit with two further penalties totalling nearly £500,000.
Still, BBBofC general secretary Robert Smith confirmed that Eubank has passed every weight check, and there’s no safety concern about him making 160 lbs again.
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