Boxing: Eubank ready for Benn

THE rematch between Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn has been provisionally set for early October. Both sides have agreed to the contest in principle subject to the signing of contracts, writes Nick Halling.

According to Eubank, both his World Boxing Organisation super-middleweight title and Benn's World Boxing Council belt will be at stake. 'I'm going to fight Nigel Benn in early October,' he said. 'It is no longer a question of if, it is a fact.' According to Eubank, the Brighton man will earn pounds 750,000 from the bout.

Barry Hearn, who promotes both fighters, anticipates that the contest will be the first in a super- middleweight elimination series, involving the Americans James Toney and Michael Nunn, the division's other champions. He will co-promote the unification series with his American counterpart, Don King.

Eubank and Benn first met in October 1990 when the Brighton boxer took Benn's WBO middleweight title after a thrilling nine- round contest.

However, the October fight will only take place should Benn successfully defend his crown next Saturday against his fellow Londoner, Lou Gent. 'If Benn were to lose that fight, there would be no rematch.' Eubank said. 'What would be the point? Lou Gent would be the fight.'