There is still some uncertainty whether or not Conor Benn will get his rematch with Chris Eubank Jr. later this year.
These two generational rivals came together in April after more than two years of build-up and verbal back-and-forth, which involved failed doping tests, egg slaps, and fines from the British Boxing Board of Control.
The fight itself was an all-action battle from the first bell, with Benn coming out swinging with intent, but Eubank settling in and making his natural size advantage show. There were no knockdowns, though both men looked hurt at points, and Eubank Jr ran out the unanimous points winner at the final bell.
Benn immediately called for a rematch, and one had been signed pre-fight, at the same weight which is two divisions above Benn’s natural class, welterweight. However, in recent times, the fight has come into doubt with Benn’s side revealing that Eubank said he could not make the announced September date and may not fight at all. There is a possibility it happens in November, but no official word.
Speaking to Boxing Social, promoter Eddie Hearn laid out who Benn could fight instead.
“We’ve spoken to PBC about the [Mario] Barrios fight. We’re under contract to fight Chris Eubank Jr so we do have to give him the opportunity to do that. November is a more likely date, we’ve said to His Excellency we will fight on that date, but we’re yet to hear a confirmation yet. I would say within the next two weeks, there will have to be a decision.”
Barrios was most recently held to a draw against veteran Manny Pacquiao, so he only narrowly held onto his WBC welterweight belt. It was his second draw in a row after he retained the belt against Abel Ramos via the same result. Benn has not yet fought for a world title, and the American would present a good opportunity if the Eubank Jr fight falls through.
Barrios received some criticism in the wake of his performance against Pacquiao, 46, with Paulie Malignaggi saying:
“Mario Barrios sucks. He sucks, just a horrible, horrible champion. Might be the worst champion I’ve ever seen in my life.”