CHRIS EUBANK JR’S rematch with Conor Benn is on the brink of collapse.
Eubank beat Benn in their April second generation grudge match and a second bout was already signed as part of the original contract.
Chris Eubank and Conor Benn’s rematch looks to be offGetty
And Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh announced on social media that the rematch would take place on September 20 in London.
That reveal came to the surprise of both camps – including Benn’s promoter Eddie Hearn.
Eubank spent two days in hospital due to severe dehydration as a result of making the 160lb middleweight limit.
He and Benn were also restricted to rehydrating more than 10lb on the morning of the bout at Tottenham’s stadium.
After 12 gruelling rounds and the 48 hours spent in hospital – a five month turnaround for the rematch appeared quick.
And after a period of radio silence from Eubank’s camp, Hearn and Benn began openly discussing alternative options.
Now Ring Magazine – owned by Alalshikh – announced the Saudi chief along with financial backers SELA have pulled their involvement in the rematch.
That is the biggest indicator yet that the sequel is dead in the water.
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Benn told Ring: “This rematch falling apart had nothing to do with me.
“I was ready to go on the scheduled September 20 date. I’m not sure what happened to Chris Eubank.”
Shakur Stevenson and Benn have agreed to fight
Eubank, 35, had been targeting a fight with undisputed super-middleweight world champion Canelo Alvarez, 34.
But Canelo faces unbeaten American Terence Crawford, 37, on September 13 with Hamzah Sheeraz, 26, lined up for the winner.
Benn, 28, meanwhile has been called out by a host of rivals including those in America.
And he recently shared a podcast table with unbeaten WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson, 28.
Benn opened the door to that fight should the rematch with Eubank fall through.
Usyk vs Dubois 2 – All the info
OLEKSANDR USYK and Daniel Dubois meet again in a blockbuster heavyweight unification fight at Wembley Stadium THIS SATURDAY!
Usyk won the first fight in August 2023 via a ninth round KO – but only after Dubois knocked him to the canvas with a body blow that was ruled a low blow.
Dubois, 27, has improved massively since that first meeting, reeling off stunning wins over Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic and Anthony Joshua.
Watch Usyk vs Dubois 2 LIVE on DAZN
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the big fight…
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And promoter Hearn told Ariel Helwani: “Listen, we ain’t gotta worry about Conor Benn. He’s one of the biggest stars in boxing right now.
“Everyone wants to fight him. Brian Norman Jr, Devin Haney, Teofimo Lopez, Shakur Stevenson, Richardson Hitchins, Ryan Garcia – Conor Benn is the hot stuff in the division right now.
“The fight with Shakur, I love it. That’s a massive stadium fight in the UK. We got plenty of options.”
Benn told Stevenson: “Listen, I’ll come back down and fight you at 147 in November.”
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