The boxing world is reeling after former two-weight world champion Carl Frampton delivered a scathing assessment of Chris Eubank Jr.’s preparation for his highly anticipated grudge match against Conor Benn, set for April 26, 2025, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. In a recent interview on YouTube, Frampton, a respected voice in the sport, claimed that Eubank Jr.’s struggles with weight could be his downfall, warning that the middleweight star is “hurting” himself by adhering to the strict rehydration clause imposed for the fight. With tensions already sky-high between Eubank Jr. and Benn, Frampton’s comments have added fuel to the fire, raising questions about whether Eubank Jr. can overcome the physical and mental challenges ahead of this career-defining clash.

A Rivalry Steeped in History

The Eubank Jr. vs. Benn fight, billed as Fatal Fury, is one of the most eagerly awaited all-British showdowns in recent memory. The bout marks the latest chapter in a 35-year family rivalry that began in the 1990s when their fathers, Chris Eubank Sr. and Nigel Benn, fought twice for the world middleweight and super-middleweight titles. The sons were originally scheduled to face off in October 2022 at The O2 Arena in London, but the fight was canceled just days before after Conor Benn tested positive for the banned substance clomifene. Benn, who has always denied intentional doping, spent the intervening years clearing his name, with his suspension finally lifted in November 2024 by the National Anti-Doping Panel, which stated it was “not comfortably satisfied” that the 28-year-old had committed a doping offense.

Now, the stage is set for the rescheduled bout at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with the fight confirmed to take place at 160 pounds—Eubank Jr.’s natural middleweight division. However, a rehydration clause limits both fighters to no more than 170 pounds on fight night, a condition that has sparked controversy and drawn sharp criticism from Frampton.

Frampton’s Damning Verdict

Carl Frampton, a former featherweight and super-bantamweight world champion who retired in 2021, has never shied away from speaking his mind. In a YouTube interview on March 7, 2025, Frampton didn’t hold back when discussing Eubank Jr.’s preparation for the Benn fight. “The weight is hurting him!” Frampton declared, pointing to the rehydration clause as a significant obstacle for the 35-year-old middleweight. “Eubank Jr. has been a middleweight for a long time, and making weight isn’t getting any easier as you get older. This rehydration clause is designed to offset some of his natural advantages, but it could backfire. If he doesn’t make the weight well, he won’t be able to rehydrate properly, and that’s going to hurt him in the ring.”

Frampton’s concerns echo sentiments expressed by others in the boxing community. The rehydration clause, which restricts fighters from gaining more than 10 pounds after the weigh-in, is intended to level the playing field, given that Benn is moving up two divisions from welterweight (147 pounds) to middleweight (160 pounds). Promoter Eddie Hearn, who represents Benn, told BBC Sport in January 2025 that the clause is “not unreasonable,” but Frampton believes it could disproportionately affect Eubank Jr., who has historically relied on his size and strength at middleweight. “Boxers often try to be as big as they can for their weight class,” Frampton explained. “Eubank Jr. is used to rehydrating fully after the weigh-in, but this clause denies him that opportunity. If he’s not at 100%, Benn could capitalize on that.”

A Tale of Two Fighters

Chris Eubank Jr. (35-3, 24 KOs), the current IBO middleweight champion, is coming off a stoppage victory over Kamil Szeremeta in October 2024, a fight that saw him reassert his dominance after a mixed run in recent years. Eubank Jr. has faced criticism for losses to top-tier opponents like George Groves (2018) and Billy Joe Saunders (2014), as well as a stoppage defeat to Liam Smith in 2023, though he avenged that loss in a rematch later that year. Known for his durability and relentless pressure, Eubank Jr. has insisted that fighting at 160 pounds gives him the edge over Benn, who he claims is “out of his depth” at middleweight.

Conor Benn (23-0, 15 KOs), on the other hand, is an undefeated welterweight with a reputation for explosive power and fearless aggression. Since the doping controversy in 2022, Benn has fought twice in the U.S., securing victories over Rodolfo Orozco and Peter Dobson, but he has yet to face a world-class opponent at the level of Eubank Jr. Moving up to 160 pounds is a significant challenge for Benn, who has spent his career at 147 pounds, but he remains confident, vowing to “render Eubank unconscious” within three rounds. The bad blood between the two has only intensified the stakes, with a chaotic press conference in Manchester on February 25, 2025, seeing Eubank Jr. slap Benn with an egg—a stunt that prompted Benn to promise retribution in the ring.

The Weight Debate: A Critical Factor?

The weight issue has been a sticking point since the fight was first announced. In 2022, the original bout was set at a catchweight of 157 pounds, a compromise that forced Eubank Jr. to drop below his natural weight while requiring Benn to move up. A post on X from Frampton at the time highlighted the controversy, noting that Eubank Jr. was “boiling down to a weight he hasn’t been close to in years, with a contracted rehydration clause against a fighter that tested positive for a PED.” Now, with the fight set at 160 pounds, Eubank Jr. has gotten his way in terms of the weight class, but the rehydration clause remains a point of contention.

Promoter Eddie Hearn has argued that the clause benefits Eubank Jr., telling BBC NI in January 2025, “It’s a much better position for Chris Eubank than the first fight from a weight perspective, at his natural weight.” However, Frampton’s comments suggest that the clause could have the opposite effect, potentially draining Eubank Jr. and leaving him vulnerable. Former super-middleweight champion Carl Froch, speaking on his YouTube channel Froch on Fighting in January 2025, also expressed concern, noting, “Chris Eubank Jr. is probably gonna be too big for Conor Benn, but he’s getting on for 36 years old, and he’s got this rehydration clause, so I do worry about that.”

The Boxing World Reacts

Frampton’s remarks have sparked a firestorm of reactions across the boxing community. On social media platforms like X, fans have been quick to weigh in, with some agreeing with Frampton’s assessment. “Eubank Jr. looked drained at the press conference—he’s not handling the weight cut well,” one user posted. Others, however, believe Eubank Jr.’s experience will see him through. “Benn’s moving up two divisions—he’s the one who should be worried, not Eubank,” another fan countered.

Prominent figures in the sport have also chimed in. Gary Logan, speaking on Sky Sports in February 2025, debated the weight limit’s impact, suggesting that while Benn faces a challenge moving up, Eubank Jr.’s age and the rehydration clause could make the fight closer than expected. Meanwhile, Benn’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, dismissed the concerns, telling BBC Sport, “Conor’s coming up two divisions and looking to take his head off. Weight won’t be an issue for us.” Eubank Jr. himself has downplayed the issue, stating at a press conference on February 27, 2025, “I like the challenge. When Eddie and Conor started demanding there was a rehydration clause, I said, ‘Show me the money.’ I’m ready to fight.”

What’s at Stake on April 26?

The Eubank Jr. vs. Benn fight is shaping up to be a blockbuster event, with the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium expected to sell out, as reserved seating tickets were already reported as sold out by March 1, 2025. The undercard is equally compelling, featuring a trilogy fight between British light-heavyweights Anthony Yarde and Lyndon Arthur, as well as a clash between Liam Smith and undefeated Aaron McKenna. The event, broadcast live on Sky Sports Box Office, is projected to draw millions of viewers, fueled by the bitter rivalry and the historical significance of the matchup.

For Eubank Jr., a victory would solidify his status as one of Britain’s top boxers and potentially set up a world title shot against WBA middleweight champion Erislandy Lara. For Benn, a win would be a career-defining moment, proving he can compete at a higher weight class and silencing critics who have questioned his legitimacy following the doping scandal. Given the intensity of the buildup, a rematch could also be on the horizon if the fight delivers the drama fans expect.

A Critical Look: Is the Weight Issue Overblown?

While Frampton’s comments have stirred debate, it’s worth examining whether the weight issue is being overstated. Eubank Jr. has fought at middleweight for most of his career and has never missed weight in a professional bout. The rehydration clause, while restrictive, is not uncommon in high-stakes fights—IBF title fights, for example, have similar stipulations, limiting fighters to a 10-pound gain on fight day. Eubank Jr.’s experience at 160 pounds could give him a significant advantage over Benn, who is untested at this weight and may struggle to match Eubank Jr.’s size and power.

On the other hand, Frampton’s concerns about Eubank Jr.’s age and physical condition are valid. At 35, Eubank Jr. is in the later stages of his career, and the physical toll of weight cutting can be more pronounced as fighters age. Liam Smith exposed vulnerabilities in Eubank Jr.’s game during their first fight in 2023, knocking him out in the fourth round—a reminder that Eubank Jr. is not invincible. If the rehydration clause does indeed hinder Eubank Jr.’s ability to perform at his best, Benn’s speed and power could pose a serious threat.

Will Weight Be Eubank Jr.’s Downfall?

As the April 26 fight date approaches, Carl Frampton’s shocking comments have cast a spotlight on Chris Eubank Jr.’s preparation, raising questions about whether the weight issue will be his Achilles’ heel. While Eubank Jr. remains the favorite, thanks to his experience and natural size advantage, Frampton’s warning serves as a reminder that nothing is guaranteed in boxing. For Conor Benn, the fight represents a chance to prove himself on the biggest stage of his career, while Eubank Jr. will look to silence his doubters and cement his legacy. One thing is certain: when these two bitter rivals step into the ring at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the boxing world will be watching to see if Frampton’s prediction comes true—or if Eubank Jr. can defy the odds once again.