Well, so much for round two. The much anticipated rematch between Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr originally pencilled in for 20 September looks like it’s heading for the same fate as a Eubank jab: all promise, not much follow-through.
Despite a packed stadium and a decent scrap back in April (Eubank took it on points), it now seems that the rematch isn’t happening any time soon. Promoter Eddie Hearn, who’s been trying to glue this thing back together, says Eubank simply “doesn’t want it.” Which, considering the payday and the hype, is about as surprising as a YouTuber calling out a retired boxer.
Benn, of course, is up for it. “I was ready to go on the scheduled Sept 20 date,” he told Ring Magazine. “Not sure what happened to Chris Eubank.” (Translation: I showed up, what’s his excuse?)
To make matters more awkward, the original backer of the fight Saudi power player Turki Alalshikh seems to have stepped away from the table entirely, along with Riyadh Season. So if you were hoping for another glitzy undercard featuring a pop concert and fireworks, you might have to settle for a pub stream and a bowl of crisps.
Hearn didn’t hold back either, telling IFL TV that unless Eubank signs on for 20 September, it’s off. No more stadiums, no more mega-purses, no more nostalgia for the sons of Benn and Eubank Sr. “I just get the feeling he doesn’t want it,” Hearn added, sounding like a mate talking about a flaky friend who bailed on holiday plans.
Now, to be fair, the first fight came with enough drama to fill a Netflix doc. Weight limits, rehydration clauses, fines Eubank even missed weight and handed over a £375k slap-on-the-wrist. He did win, yes, but ended up in hospital for two days because of dehydration. Not ideal.
Oh, and let’s not forget his recent £10,000 fine for a social media faux pas. Because if you can’t stir the pot on Twitter in 2025, what even is the point?
So for now, don’t cancel your weekend plans for late September. Unless there’s a dramatic U-turn (and maybe a briefcase full of extra cash), it looks like this rematch is staying in the fantasy league.
