The first fight played out as many expected, with Eubank getting the win on points - the bigger, taller and more experienced fighter. 

All three judges scored the bout 116-112 in favour of Eubank.

However, Benn put in a performance that was better than expected, without a real game plan other than throwing power punches to land the KO. 

To note, Eubank was in the hospital for 2 days suffering from severe dehydration after leaving in an ambulance straight after the fight.

The fight is once again at 160lb with a 10lb rehydration clause, which does strike up concerns for Eubank. 

What makes these predictions harder is the fact that both fighters haven’t been active since their first fight - the rematch has been booked straight away. 

If both fighters had gone on to fight other opponents before the rematch, there would be some analysis to draw from. So we’ll look at the first fight and narratives surrounding it. 

Some conclusions and insights to take from the first fight:

Eubank clearly was the more active fighter with 912 punches thrown and 367 landing (40.2% accuracy). Benn landed a total of 593 punches thrown with 215 landing (36.3% accuracy). 

Power punch stats are interesting, both fighters had similar power punch accuracy (Eubank 40.4%, Benn 39.5%) so Benn was relatively competitive when it came to heavier shots. 

Although Benn’s power didn’t translate to the heavier weight, he now had a feel for the occasion to make the correct adjustments. 

- Eubank Jr won 8 of the 12 rounds (rounds 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12) in the majority of judges’ cards.

- Benn won 4 rounds (rounds 3, 8, 9, 10).

- Round 7 was split: Two judges gave it to Eubank, one gave it to Benn.

Benn won 3 consecutive rounds in the second part of the fight with Eubank finishing strong in the last two rounds. 

Benn, the younger fighter with more at stake, showed in the first fight that youth and freshness can be decisive, especially now he’s got that experience.

The rematch also takes place at the same weight; in the first fight, Benn moved up, and although still not his natural weight, he’s expected to be more durable and well-prepared to carry his power into the later rounds. 

If Benn can start faster using his front-foot style and sustain early pressure and stop Eubank settling behind the jab, this could swing the momentum in the rematch. 

Benn will surely enter the fight with more of a game plan this time and will look to empty the tank fully in the latter stages, which I believe he held back in the first. 

Although the rematch is more of a fan affair with high financial rewards, it’s also important for Benn to come away with some personal redemption; a 2-fight losing streak could have a severe impact on his world title aspirations - so this is a must-win for him and his family, personally and for his career.

Highly touted Adam Azim against American Kurt Scoby in Ricky Hatton’s old weight class, Super-Lightweight (140lbs), is the first leg of any potential trio. Scoby enters as a late replacement and a relatively unknown quantity. His 18-1 (16ko) record is aesthetically pleasing. Study suggests Scoby is still improving, despite already being 30, he is a strong man at the weight and a powerful puncher with the right hand. A loss to Dakota Linger – who had won just two of his previous 8 going in - is instructive. Scoby was stopped in 6, but he has become more considered in his work and boxed just two months ago. He will pose risk with his power, and this is a fight with lucrative opportunity for him in victory too.

Azim is a precise and concussive hitter who will use his primary advantages of speed and fine margins in height and reach to keep Scooby of balance – the American tends to march forward in predictable lines. Victories over capable Europeans Sergey Lipinets and Ohara Davies evidence of Azim’s power and the reason he is a 1/12 to win outright. Look for Azim by stoppage at 2/5 for a cautious opener, or cover the upset, by betting against the fight going the distance – available at 3/10 with Paddy Power.

Next is Jack Catterall in the Welterweight division. Catterall enters as the favourite – not least because of his impressive performances versus Josh Taylor. A contentious points defeat in their first encounter in 2022 was supplanted by a comprehensive victory in their overdue rematch. Taylor was older and long since outgrown the division, but Catterall was nevertheless dominant versus a once luminous talent in Taylor. Ekow ‘The Engine’ Essuman is an awkward opponent for most. Strong, unconventional in style, and incredibly fit, he will pose stylistic challenges for the Southpaw Catterall and boasts a win over Josh Taylor this year, too. A mark of the decline in Taylor as much as any ascension for Essuman.

Deliberate and economic in style, Southpaw Catterall is not always an enthralling watch, but this must not deter. His fights often follow a similar rhythm, and Essuman must guard against rounds slipping by as Catterall works behind the jab using his superior technique and footwork to good effect.

Catterall is unequivocally the superior technician, but Essuman cannot be dismissed. The Nottingham veteran has a relentlessness and causes problems through volume of punches, particularly if Catterall’s jab proves an inadequate deterrent in the higher weight class. Logic suggests Catterall dictates the pace of the fight and largely controls from distance. Essuman coming forward will suit him stylistically. A points win for Catterall, perhaps with a scare along the way, seems the most likely; it can be backed with Paddy Power at 8/11 on the PTS win or 13/1 for Catterall to be knocked down and still win.

So much of the first fight remains in play. Eubank retains the advantages of natural size. He is the larger-framed and taller fighter. A long career of boxing much bigger, more accomplished opponents than Conor Benn represents. Eubank has beaten half a dozen fighters who would start as heavy favourites versus Benn, and yet, such is the passage of time that a fighter who knocked out Yildirim, who pushed George Groves over 12 rounds, and who beat up the veterans James DeGale and Artur Abraham, are long since gone.

What remains is a proud warrior on the cusp of retirement. He may be diminished by the sacrifice of the first fight, in which is a late round surge when exhausted was super-human even for a sport filled with such heroism. Perhaps he can make the 160-pound limit better this time. Maybe.

Benn, meanwhile, will be emboldened by his performance in defeat. Will understand what the challenge is and have greater faith his own ability to compete. There is a sense he is the progressing force. It feels a more competitive fight going in the second time around.

I'm edging towards Benn to win this one as the slight underdog. Paddy Power also offering a 3/1 on Benn to win and the 11th round to start, which offers coverage on a late stoppage as the younger, fresher fighter could find a way through against the 36-year-old Eubank, but also rewards Benn edging a decision. A result which would facilitate a trilogy decider – likely to be the most lucrative fight either man can agree to.