The pressure was immense. Chris Eubank Jr. faced a staggering potential fine – £375,000 – for failing to make weight for his highly anticipated rematch against Conor Benn. The memory of the previous weigh-in disaster, and the subsequent news of Benn’s celebratory Rolls Royce purchase funded by Eubank’s penalty, clearly fueled his desperation.
This time, Eubank Jr. wasn’t leaving anything to chance. Images surfaced of a grueling, almost punishing, weight-cutting regimen. He was seen relentlessly cycling while encased in a suffocating sauna suit, layers trapping heat and forcing a rapid loss of water weight.
Another video revealed the full extent of his ordeal: completely swathed in non-breathable layers, beads of sweat cascading down his face. It was a stark visual testament to the lengths a fighter will go to avoid financial ruin and maintain a competitive edge. “Ain’t no way I’m missing weight this time,” he declared, a clear message of determination.
The gamble appeared to pay off. When the scales were revealed on Friday, a surprising result emerged. Eubank Jr. tipped in at 159.1lbs, actually *under* the agreed-upon limit, while Benn weighed a fraction higher at 159.3lbs. A small victory, but a crucial one.
However, the methods employed to achieve that weight have drawn scrutiny. While sauna suits aren’t explicitly banned by boxing authorities, they are strongly discouraged due to the inherent dangers of rapid dehydration. Concerns over fighter health are paramount.
This isn’t the first time Eubank Jr. has faced repercussions for publicly documenting his extreme weight cuts. He was previously fined £10,000 for sharing similar videos, deemed a misuse of social media by the governing body. Another penalty now seems likely.
Boxing officials have repeatedly warned against such practices, emphasizing the risks associated with drastic dehydration. They provide educational materials and guidance, but ultimately, policing every fighter’s preparation is an impossible task. The responsibility, they argue, lies with the athlete and their team.
A new rehydration clause was implemented for this rematch, adding another layer of complexity. Both fighters are now restricted from exceeding the 160lbs weight limit by more than 10lbs on the morning of the fight, further intensifying the pressure to make weight safely and effectively.
