Chris Eubank Jr. has been summoned to appear before the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) to explain his use of a sauna and a sauna suit ahead of his high-stakes April 26 clash with Conor Benn. The hearing follows rising concern over the health risks of extreme weight-cutting methods in professional boxing.
Highlights
- Eubank Jr. allegedly used banned sauna techniques to shed weight for his Benn fight.
- The BBBofC has scheduled a disciplinary hearing for early July.
- Eubank Jr. was hospitalized after the fight due to dehydration.
- Videos of the sauna suit use went viral, sparking public and regulatory backlash.
- Possible sanctions could include fines or formal warnings.
Main Story
Chris Eubank Jr.’s preparation for his bout with Conor Benn is now the subject of an official investigation by the BBBofC. At issue is his reported use of a sauna and sauna suit—both banned under British boxing rules due to the severe health risks they pose to fighters.
The 34-year-old middleweight missed the 160lb limit by a narrow margin but managed to meet the next day’s 170lb rehydration clause. Despite being visibly drained, he went on to defeat Benn in a high-profile match watched by over 60,000 fans.
Shortly after the fight, Eubank Jr. was taken to hospital with symptoms of dehydration and fatigue. The incident raised red flags across the boxing world, especially after behind-the-scenes footage showed him using a sauna suit in training—an act widely condemned for its danger to athlete safety.
The British Boxing Board of Control confirmed it will hold a formal disciplinary hearing in early July. The Southern Area Council will hear from Eubank Jr. directly, and medical professionals are expected to weigh in on the risks involved. While the outcome is not predetermined, potential consequences include financial penalties or disciplinary action.
Trainer Adam Booth and others have called for the removal of rehydration clauses and extreme weight demands in future rematches, stressing fighter health and long-term welfare. With talks already underway for a September rematch, the Board’s decision may directly impact the terms of that bout.
As boxing pushes the limits of performance, the question remains—how much sacrifice is too much in the pursuit of victory?
