Boosts

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.