ISSUES surrounding Chris Eubank Jr’s publicised weight-cut, and indeed his alleged use of a sauna, are set to be placed under the microscope in July.
The 35-year-old documented snippets of his own weight-making process on April 25, elevating concerns ahead of a blockbuster showdown with Conor Benn.
In the series of videos he posted via social media, Eubank, 35-3 (25 KOs), revealed a starkly depleted version of his usual self while, perhaps more alarming still, alluding to his eventual use of a sauna.
But while that practice, when it comes to weight-making, at least, is banned by the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC), the former world title challenger was nonetheless permitted to enter his clash with Benn the following day.
As it happened, a separate video of Benn sitting in a sauna had done the rounds on social media prior to their 12-round spectacle, from which Eubank emerged with a unanimous decision victory.
It was Eubank, however, who ultimately faced the more formidable challenge while boiling himself down to a weight of 160.05lbs.
Soon after, he was then compelled to keep below a rehydration cap of 170lbs at his second-day weigh-in, yet it appeared that his initial attempt to meet the middleweight limit represented a more gruelling battle.
Either way, BBBoC General Secretary Robert Smith has confirmed that Eubank must appear before the Board next month, when conversations regarding his weight-making process, possible use of a sauna and social media activity are expected to take place.
“Mr. Eubank has been called to appear before Southern Area Council of the [BBBoC] to discuss that matter, which will be dealt with in July,” Smith told Boxing News.
“There were two scenarios with regards to saunas. Conor Benn never had an issue with making the weight, [whereas] Mr. Eubank claimed that he was having an issue.
“We’re waiting to hear what he has to say, but, [in Smith’s view], Mr. Eubank boxed as though he had no problems with hydration whatsoever – he was as strong in the last round as he was in the first round [against Benn].
“The medical documentation we [received] since the contest says he was fine.”
Shortly after his victory over Benn, Eubank spent two nights on a hospital bed, where he later claimed to have been suffering from severe dehydration.
In an episode of The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett, the middleweight contender then went into great detail while describing his concerning experience.
But ultimately, it seems that Eubank will soon have the opportunity to tell his story once again, this time with a view to explain his pre-fight social media comments.
Members of the Southern Area Council should then determine – based largely on his alleged use of a sauna – whether there are to be any ramifications.
