Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn are set to go head-to-head in a rematch later this year, but Carl Froch believes the fight should not happen and has warned Benn against it
Ex-boxing champ Carl Froch has sounded a warning to Conor Benn, suggesting he should steer clear of rushing into a rematch with Chris Eubank Jr.
The pair squared off at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in North London last month in a clash that had fans on the edge of their seats. After 12 rounds of intense toe-to-toe action, it was Eubank Jr who emerged victorious by unanimous decision.
With the dust barely settled, talks of a second bout are already intensifying. Saudi boxing promoter Turki Alalshikh has thrown his weight behind hosting a rematch. “If they’re not injured and ready, we want the rematch in late September at Tottenham,” he declared to Ring Magazine. “The British fans were amazing and I thank them.”
In conversation with Sporting Talk, Froch reflected on the boxers’ performance during their recent battle and weighed in on the idea of them throwing punches once more. “I thought Eubank was in control all the way through. He got clipped with a shot in round three and a couple of shots throughout the fight, it ebbed and flowed, but for me Eubank was in control. But he’s got that height and reach, all that experience.”
He added, “It was quite a close fight but the right man won. Entertaining because he did get clipped with some shots, but he was bouncing Conor Benn’s head all over the place at the end of round 11 and in round 12.”
Despite relishing the fight, Froch expressed doubts about the excitement of a rematch between Benn and Eubank Jr. , sharing his certainty that the outcome would not change. “I’m not sure the rematch is as big. The first fight was great, we’ve seen it now, we know what’s going to happen. Benn’s not big enough to be at [middleweight],” he asserted.
“Benn did great, fought his heart out, had a right go, but luckily for him, Eubank was dead on the scales. Doing that rehydration clause, I thought was out of order, but he signed up to it. But it made it more of a fair battle, as unfair as it is, someone draining their weight off and getting in the ring already half-cooked. I’d be surprised if Conor Benn wants that fight. His trainer Tony Simms knows better than to put him back in there … If you’re looking after Conor Benn and not the bank account of somebody else, you’re not taking that fight.”
READ MORE: Jake Paul shows true colours with response to Tommy Fury’s call-outREAD MORE: Conor McGregor delivers three-word verdict on boxing ring girl
On the flip side, Benn himself is eager for another go and firmly believes he narrowly edged out the win during their last clash. “I’m ready to train now. I’ve got the heating on in the gym, I’ve got my sauna ready for the recovery after,” he divulged to Good Morning Britain. “As soon as this interview is done, I am straight in the gym. I live for this, it’s what I do, it’s who I am There is a rematch clause. We will see.
“We’ve got plenty of options but obviously we have both agreed to the rematch… It’s a bitter one to swallow this. Out of all people, losing to a Eubank. It’s hard! Personally I thought I nicked the fight by a round. It could have gone either way… What a great fighter, what a great dancing partner. So credit to Chris for him and his win, but I want that revenge.”
