No weight change for Eubank-Benn rematch - Hearn

Eddie Hearn says he has received no request from Chris Eubank Jr's team to renegotiate the weight terms for September's rematch with Conor Benn, adding he would be reluctant to entertain one if it came.

The Matchroom promoter confirmed the rematch will be fought under the exact same conditions as their April bout - at the middleweight limit of 160lb with a rehydration clause - as stipulated in a two-fight contract agreed beforehand.

Eubank outpointed Benn at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in their much-hyped grudge match, the latest chapter in a rivalry dating back to when their legendary fathers first fought.

The rematch is set for 20 September in London, with the venue still to be confirmed.

"Firstly, [Team Eubank] wouldn't approach me because the contract is with Saudi Arabia but the issue they have is we have a contract that stipulates the terms are identical to the first fight," Hearn told BBC Sport.

"That's what we've signed and that's what we've agreed to."

Asked if different terms would be considered, Hearn said Benn would not want to go above the 160lb middleweight limit.

Eubank's weight was a contentious issue in the build-up to their first fight. He missed weight during fight week and was fined £375,000 but was within the 10lb rehydration limit on fight morning.

The British Boxing Board of Control will hold a hearing this month over reports Eubank used a sauna to cut weight - against its rules - but Hearn believes the debate has been overstated.

"People don't realise for the rehydration Chris Eubank weighed in in all his clothes and a big jacket. And he was half a pound under, he was probably three pounds under. It wasn't a problem at all," Hearn added.

"At 160lb he was tight and you could tell it was hard work. But it's hard work for 99% of fighters making weight. I don't think the hydration is the issue, it's how long he's going to make 160lb limit for."

Despite losing by unanimous decision in April, Benn was quick to push for the rematch, which Hearn feels is a sign of his growing confidence.

"I think he took this fight because he believes he can win it this time," Hearn said.

"He was too small last time, physically, but he still made it a 50/50 with his tenacity and ability.

"The long-term [goal] for Conor Benn is to win a welterweight world title but that can wait."

The first fight was high on drama - from Benn's failed doping tests to egg-slaps, last-minute fines and a surprise appearance from Chris Eubank Sr on fight night.

Hearn believes the sequel could be even bigger if the fighters' legendary fathers, Nigel Benn and Eubank Sr, are involved from the start.

"This time the difference may be Eubank Sr is part of the promotion," Hearn said. "That hour before the first fight will never be matched. The fight itself will be matched. I think it will be the 13th round back again."

The rematch announcement came as a surprise after Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, confirmed the bout on social media.

"The announcement caught everyone by surprise, including Eubank. Turki announced the fight without telling anyone. Team Eubank reached out to me right after the announcement [a bit confused]," Hearn said.

Eubank has yet to publicly comment on the bout and he and his team have not responded to a request for comment from BBC Sport, but Hearn is confident the fight will go ahead.

"The only reason fights don't happen is because of the money," Hearn said. "The money is set and the money is massive. No-one loves money more than Eubank. It will happen."