Conor Benn is making back up plans incase his rematch with Chris Eubank Jr falls through, as he thinks it might.
These two generational rivals first fought back in April and it was a tough fight, with both men throwing plenty of shots in anger. Benn went up to 160lbs as a natural 147 pounder, while Eubank struggled to make that limit, missing weight ever so slightly at the first time of asking ahead of facing a controversial rehydration clause on the morning of the fight. However, his natural size advantage showed in the ring and he ran out the unanimous points winner after a fight of the year contender.
There has been no official word yet from Eubank Jr’s camp, but July 14 was said to be the final day he had to make a decision.
If the fight gets canned, Benn will return to his natural class of 147 lbs, and it seems a fight with undefeated two-weight world champion Shakur Stevenson could well be on the cards.
Speaking on the Ariel Helwani show, both men engaged in verbal sparring, winding each other up about their last performances in the ring and promising to beat the other if they were to meet in the ring.
Benn then made an offer.
“I’ll come [back] down to fight you at 147 in November.”
Stevenson – who just beat William Zepeda to retain his world title at 140 – accepted the weight jump.
“Done. After I beat you, just tell me I’m great.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn then gave the match-up his backing. Though it would present an intriguing clash of styles, many fans will be put off by another huge jump in weight and urge each man to focus on the divisions they are naturally suited to.
Word on the state of the Eubank rematch is expected soon.
