Carl Froch has weighed in with a prediction for a potential clash between Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr, and admits his opinion has been affected by the latter’s recent fight against Liam Smith.
Eubank Jr was stopped in emphatic fashion by Smith back in January, leading many to speculate that cutting weight to 160lb had taken something from him.
Speaking on Froch on Fighting, ‘The Cobra revealed he was still backing Eubank to come out on top against Benn if they fought, but was nowhere near as confident in the pick as he once was.
“If the fight’s been made at 160, that’s the same weight he fought Liam Smith.”
“When the fight was first made … I was thinking Chris Eubank Jr would be too much for him – too strong, too heavy and solid. But after what happened with Liam Smith, I’ve totally changed my opinion on it.”
“But what’s happening with Conor Benn now is all over the place, and if the fight happens it won’t be happening in Britain … No I think Chris Eubank Jr.”
Eubank had been expected to face Liam Smith for a second time next, with reports emerging a few weeks ago that he had activated the contractual rematch clause after being comprehensively stopped by Smith in January.
However, sixth months on from when Benn’s two failed VADA tests saw their original meeting scrapped, he now appears to be the frontrunner for ‘The Destroyer’s comeback bout in Abu Dhabi.
Promoter Eddie Hearn revealed that any fight between the pair would take place at the middleweight limit of 160lbs, as opposed to the controversial 157lbs catchweight that was in place first time around.
The British Boxing Board of Control may prove to get in the way of a fight between the two family rivals, though, after secretary Robert Smith said there was a possibility they would revoke Jr’s license if he fought Benn, who is still at loggerheads with the board.