With Chris Eubank Jr’s rematch victory over Liam Smith and Conor Benn’s seemingly imminent ring return, the stage could be set for the legacy rivals to face off.
The pair were set to fight at a catchweight of 157lbs last October before it was reported that Benn had failed a VADA doping test. That was followed by the news of another positive result earlier in the year.
His career has been in limbo ever since, but with no current suspension and ongoing talks with the British Board, his team are confident enough to start fight planning.
Atop that list is the Eubank bout – perhaps even more intriguing now given he lost to Liam Smith and avenged that defeat in style with a stoppage win since the time of Benn’s drama.
Talks between the teams have started immediately for a potential December fight – although there are still hurdles to clear.
Talking up the scrap on Matchroom’s Flash Knockdown podcast, Benn suggested that Eubank had certain demands for their first ill-fated bout, before confirming that should they face off this year it would be at the middleweight limit of 160.
“Thankfully, he got the win. Otherwise his career would’ve been curtains. I don’t want no rehydration clause. Because when I smoke him what’s he gonna say then?
I’m tired of him and the way he’s carrying on – the name first, I want this, I want to ring walk second… Who cares? Come in at whatever weight you want. A fight’s a fight. 160, no rehydration clause, no problem. I’ll still deal with him within three, four rounds after what I saw.”
The weight was a controversial subject the first time around, with many recognising 157 was too low for Eubank – his father included.
Benn went on to say that the one thing he would insist on is a relatively small ring.
“I’m easy to deal with. Just gimme an eighteen foot ring. That was all I put in the last contract. An eighteen foot ring and that’s it.”
The eighteen foot ring – just two foot up from the smallest available as per the rules – would stifle some of Eubank’s movement, suggesting Benn wants a toe-to-toe fight from the off.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has teased a stadium for the event, but further details are expected soon as to Benn’s ability to fight in England.