Conor Benn has predicted Chris Eubank Jr will not make the catchweight for their much-anticipated bout on October 8, but insisted that would not alter his desire to fight.
Much has been made of the 157lbs limit that has been agreed by the two fighters, with Eubank Jr having to drop down from middleweight and Benn jumping up from welterweight.
It has led Chris Eubank Snr, who fought Conor’s father Nigel for the second time 19 years ago, to call for his son to pull out of the fight due to fears over his safety as he cuts the extra three pounds.
That has seemingly had little impact on Eubank Jr, who in recent weeks has posted videos on social media of him eating a burger, birthday cake and a KFC bucket.
The 33-year-old has also claimed he only needs to be at 60% to beat Benn, who feel there is a strong chance his opponent fails to come in over 157lbs next week. The fighters will be reportedly be fined in the region of £100,000 for every pound they are over the limit.
“He said he’s a man of his word and a disciplined athlete, but do I see him making the weight? No,” Benn told PA.
“If he’s disciplined and a true professional then he’ll make the weight, but I just don’t think he has that respect there for an opponent or for me personally.
“I’m willing to fight him anyway, it isn’t a concern to me. But that was the weight we agreed and if he’s a man of his word he’ll come in at that weight.”
While Benn does not have the same issues to contend with as Eubank Jr in terms of cutting weight, the significant size disadvantage has left him as the underdog going into the fight.
The unbeaten 25-year-old has won 14 of his 21 professional fights by knockout and Benn is confident he is in a position to extend that record at the 02 Arena.
“I feel powerful, I’ve been sparring super-middleweights, light heavies and cruisers,” Benn said. “I feel strong. I love a challenge and I fear no man.”
“I’ve had to jump up two weights from welter, but this is the biggest and the best fight out there for me.
“I’m just so in my element and in my zone. There’s no animosity with Eubank Jr, but he’s still a man who stands in my way.
“I haven’t been beaten and that means the world to me. I don’t know defeat. All of my knockouts have come in four rounds, so I wouldn’t be surprised if that happens, but I always prepare for a hard fight.”
