Eddie Hearn ‘expecting' Chris Eubank Jr to rematch Conor Benn NEXT with September 27 at Tottenham eyed for mega-fight
EDDIE HEARN expects Chris Eubank Jr to rematch Conor Benn NEXT - back at Tottenham's stadium on September 27.
The born rivals put on an absolute thriller in front of 67,000 fans at Spurs' £1billion ground - three decades on from their dads' famous fights.
Both ended up in hospital amid the brutality of the 12 rounds with Eubank bed bound for TWO DAYS due to severe dehydration.
Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh wasted no time in talking up the contracted rematch back in North London.
And promoter Hearn revealed a date is already pencilled in - on the condition Eubank - who will be 36 by that time - is fighting fit.
Hearn told SunSport: "You heard His Excellency on the night talk about, I think September 27th at Spurs for us, that's what we're expecting.
"The second fight, we signed a contract for two fights, not for a rematch to be exercised for two fights.
"So, as far as we're concerned, number two will take place in September, but obviously Eubank's got to be ready and he's got to be comfortable to move forward.
"Conor's ready to go now. And obviously he's itching to get back in the ring with Eubank. The first fight was incredible and we'll be ready for number two."
The second generation grudge match was initially set for October 2022 at a 157lb catchweight - lower than Eubank had ever been before.
But it was cancelled after Benn failed two drug tests after testing positive for clomiphene - a substance known to boost testosterone.
Benn, 28, protested his innocence and took his career to America for two wins at 150lb while his doping saga dragged on.
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Eventually, UK Anti-Doping dropped the case against him paving the way for a British boxing return to face Eubank.
But, amid the scandal Eubank re-negotiated for a 160lb middleweight bout - his weight for the last six years.
The only concession he made was for a 10lb rehydration limit on the morning of the bout.
Eubank missed the 160lb mark by an agonising 0.05lb on the Friday weigh-in - costing him a £375,000 fine - but he did make the 170lb rehydration.
And despite the former super-middleweight world title challenger's weight struggles - Hearn says terms for the rematch remain unchanged.
He said: "Our contract is exactly the same as the first fight. All the terms are the same. We have separate contracts with the Saudis and that's how the deal was done.
"So I can't speak on his behalf. What I know is what we signed up for. So we expect that to be delivered."
You heard His Excellency on the night talk about, I think September 27th at Spurs for us, that's what we're expecting.
Eddie Hearn
Eubank's legendary father Chris Sr threatened to boycott the bout over fears of Benn jumping up two weights and his son depleting himself to stay at 160lb.
Eventually, he did emotionally reunite with his son on the night of the fight and watched in awe as his eldest earned a unanimous decision.
But Sr spent 48 worrying hours by his boy's side in hospital as the weight cut and rehydration took its gruelling toll.
And Hearn admits if Eubank is medically unable to make the same weight restrictions then he will consider renegotiating under fresh terms.
He said: "Look, I don't represent Eubank. So if it's unsafe for him to make that weight, that's something they've got to raise.
"It's not my job to go to you Eubank and go, 'Are you alright mate? Do you want an extra couple of pounds if that'll make you perform better?'
"I'm just looking out for Conor Benn, who is in danger by fighting the much bigger guy.
"But of course, you never want to see a fighter go in depleted, dehydrated or in a dangerous position.
"I don't think his performance reflected that, if I'm honest, I just think it was a war. So that's something for their team to discuss with the Saudis.
"If they have a medical problem with that - that would go against the contracts that we've signed - but obviously you've got to make sure it's safe for him to continue."
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