The highly anticipated rematch between British boxing rivals Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn has been officially declared 'dead' by promoter Eddie Hearn. The announcement comes after months of speculation and negotiations, with the initial bout having taken place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in April, where Eubank secured a unanimous points decision victory.

The Fallout

Hearn, who promotes Benn, revealed that the rematch, initially scheduled for September 20th, is no longer on the table. "At the moment, the fight between Eubank and Benn is dead," Hearn stated. He further explained that Benn is now looking to pivot away from the rematch and instead focus on securing a world title shot. "Benn isn't interested in being messed around or waiting around. He would love and arguably prefer a shot at the world title," Hearn added.

Alternative Plans

Benn, 28, has also expressed interest in moving back down to the welterweight division, signaling a potential shift in his career trajectory. "We're ready to move on, drop down to 147 and get a world title," Benn said. This move could open up new opportunities for Benn in a different weight class, potentially setting the stage for a fresh chapter in his boxing career.

Eubank's Silence

While Benn and his team have been vocal about their plans, Eubank Jr has remained notably silent on the matter. The 35-year-old boxer has not commented on the cancellation or his future plans, leaving fans and analysts speculating about his next move. Earlier this month, Eubank was fined £10,000 by the British Boxing Board of Control for 'misuse of social media' in the lead-up to the first fight.

Future Possibilities

Despite the rematch being officially off the table, there have been whispers of a potential rescheduling for November or even early next year. Turki Alalshikh, who organized the first fight under the Riyadh Season promotion, hinted at possible alternative dates during a broadcast before Oleksandr Usyk's victory over Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium. However, no official decision has been made yet.

Conclusion

With the rematch now a thing of the past, both fighters are at a crossroads in their careers. While Benn sets his sights on a world title, Eubank's future remains uncertain. Fans of the sport will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how both boxers navigate this pivotal moment in their careers.