Conor Benn expects Chris Eubank Jr to miss weight for their grudge fight, but insists he will face him even is he does miss the 157lb limit.
Benn and Eubank will renew their fathers' feud on October 8 as they meet at The O2 arena in one of the biggest British fights of the year. Eubank insists he will be at his lowest weight since the age of 18 whilst Benn is fighting 10lb above his usual weight class. The pair go into the super-fight looking to settle a grudge which originated from Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn's two-fight series which began over 30 years ago.
Eubank has taunted Benn by eating burgers and birthday cakes in the lead-up to their fight despite having to weigh-in three pounds less than his usual weight of 160lb. The 33-year-old also insists he will only be competing at 60 per cent of his capabilities on fight night due to the catchweight, with a rehydration clause preventing him from weighing over a certain limit on fight day.
Who wins on October 8 - Conor Benn or Chris Eubank Jr? Let us know your prediction in the comments section below
Benn told PA of his domestic rival: “He said he’s a man of his word and a disciplined athlete, but do I see him making the weight? No. If he’s disciplined and a true professional then he’ll make the weight, but I just don’t think he has that respect there for an opponent or for me personally. I’m willing to fight him anyway, it isn’t a concern to me. But that was the weight we agreed and if he’s a man of his word he’ll come in at that weight.”
Eubank claimed that he is managing his weight cut on his own, snubbing the help of "nutritionists and gym guys" because he knows his own body better than them. The son of a legend also doubled down on his vow to retire if he loses to Benn, stating that he doesn't deserve to fight for a middleweight world title fight if he can't get past the 26-year-old.
Benn is relishing the challenge of settling the family feud as he added: “I feel powerful, I’ve been sparring super-middleweights, light-heavyweights and cruiserweights. I feel strong. I love a challenge and I fear no man.” I’ve had to jump up two weights from welterweight, but this is the biggest and the best fight out there for me.
“I’m just so in my element and in my zone. There’s no animosity with Eubank, but he’s still a man who stands in my way. I haven’t been beaten and that means the world to me.
"I don’t know defeat. All of my knockouts have come in four rounds, so I wouldn’t be surprised if that happens, but I always prepare for a hard fight.”
