Eubank Jr. Fined for Social Media Posts Detailing Weight-Cutting Methods
The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) has levied a £10,000 ($13,608) fine against Chris Eubank Jr. for what it deemed “misuse of social media” in the lead-up to his April victory over Conor Benn. The controversy centers around videos Eubank posted showcasing his extreme weight-cutting process, raising concerns about fighter safety and potentially violating unwritten rules within the sport.
Eubank, 35, secured a unanimous decision win against Benn after a highly anticipated bout initially scheduled for October 2022 was cancelled due to Benn’s positive test for the banned substance clomifene. However, the lead-up to the rescheduled fight was marred by Eubank’s social media activity, which depicted him utilizing methods considered by many to be dangerous in pursuit of making the 160lb middleweight limit.
The boxer shared videos appearing to show him wearing a sauna suit, designed to induce significant sweat loss, and alluding to the use of a sauna. While the BBBofC’s regulations do not explicitly prohibit saunas or heat suits, a senior official confirmed the Board strongly advises against “drastic weight-making measures” due to the health risks associated with severe dehydration.
Eubank faced a hearing with the Board’s Southern Area Council in July, resulting in the fine and a “severe reprimand” placed on his file for also arriving late to the weigh-in. Despite the concerns raised by the videos, the council stated it was “satisfied with the explanation of the trainer.”
The weigh-in itself was not without drama. Benn tipped the scales at 156.4lbs, while Eubank initially weighed in at 160.2lbs, exceeding the limit. He was granted a second attempt, ultimately registering at 160lb 0.8oz – still marginally over the agreed-upon weight. This resulted in a separate fine of £375,000 ($500,000) for Eubank.
Adding another layer to the complexities, a rehydration clause stipulated that both fighters could not weigh more than 10lb over the limit on the morning of the fight. Eubank successfully met this requirement, posting a social media image showing a weight of 169.4lbs.
Eubank publicly accused Benn’s team of attempting to disrupt his preparation, alleging tactics designed to unsettle him. “It stings that I was 0.05lb away from the limit and now I’ll have to pay half a million to someone,” Eubank told BBC Sport following the initial weigh-in. “They closed the scales off early…These are tactics people use to try and get under your skin.”
The incident highlights the ongoing debate surrounding weight-cutting practices in boxing and the challenges faced by regulatory bodies in balancing fighter safety with competitive fairness. While the BBBofC does not explicitly ban saunas, it actively discourages their use, providing boxers and trainers with documentation outlining the dangers of rapid weight loss. The Board also utilizes “check-weights” throughout training camps to monitor fighters’ progress and gain insight into their weight-cutting strategies.
This is not an isolated case. In June, a bout between British boxer Adam Azim and Mexico’s Eliot Chavez was cancelled after Chavez admitted to using a sauna to make weight, a practice explicitly prohibited by the Mexican Boxing Commission. According to a statement released by Boxxer, the BBBofC withdrew permission for Chavez to fight following the revelation. A senior official clarified that Chavez’s case differed from Eubank’s, as Chavez directly acknowledged using a sauna on the day of the fight.
Despite the controversy, Eubank’s victory over Benn stands. A medical assessment following the fight indicated he had not been adversely affected by the weight cut, with one analyst noting that Eubank “boxed as though he had no problems with hydration whatsoever.” He was, however, admitted to hospital for “precautionary checks” for two days following the contest.
A potential rematch between Eubank and Benn is currently being promoted on social media, suggesting the rivalry is far from over. The events surrounding the first fight, however, serve as a stark reminder of the risks associated with extreme weight-cutting and the ongoing need for stricter regulation and oversight within the sport.
