Matthew Macklin has given his two cents on the hotly anticpated fight between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn next weekend, and believes that the size advantage for Eubank will simply be too great for Benn to overcome.
Speaking to IFL TV, Macklin also pointed to the calibre of opponents Eubank has faced in comparison to Benn’s adversaries to date.
“I think Eubank’s too big. I know people say Conor Benn comes down, but he’s a welterweight and he’s not a massive welterweight.
Eubank has been in there with big super middleweights like George Groves. One of his best attributes is he’s got a good chin.
He’s mixed in the better company. Conor Benn has beaten some good names but he’s been matched well – as you’d expect for someone who’s learning on the job.
Nobody knows what it will take out of Eubank – there are weight limits for a reason, people can’t just make and perform at any weight. That is messing with you’re energy levels – it can effect your reflects. Nobody knows the full effect of the impact they’ll have in the fight.”
The contest has been made at a catchweight of 157lbs to try and bridge the weight discrepancy between the two stars, and many believe this could be detrimental to Eubank in particular. Now 33, he will have to attempt to make a weight he’s never previously hit on the scales.
Benn, on the other hand, having campaigned at 147lbs, will essentially not be cutting weight for the fight – leading some backers to believe he will have more down the stretch compared to the depleted Eubank.
Eubank himself has admitted he anticipates he’ll only be at around 60% of his capabilities due to the weight and next day rehydration cause – but reiterates this will be more than enough to get the better of Benn at the 02 on October 8th.