Chris Eubank Jr has broken his silence after failing to make weight for his fight with Conor Benn.

The 35-year-old narrowly missed the middleweight limit ahead of his highly anticipated bout with his long-time rival, tipping the scales just half an ounce over the 160lb threshold during Friday’s official weigh-in. 

In the opposite corner, Benn (23-0, 14 KOs) comfortably came in under the limit at 156lbs 4oz after goading his rival by calling him 'fat boy' at Thursday's final press conference.

Eubank Jr (34-3, 25 KOs) will be fined $500,000 (£375,000) for his transgressions. It is the first time in his career that he has missed weight.

After the fact, Eubank Jr cryptically wrote on Instagram: 'Pain is temporary… Glory is forever,' under three videos revealing the extreme measures he took to shed as many pounds as possible.

Shortly after, Benn took to social media to issue a response to Eubank Jr, arguing that the latter's weight cut should not have been so drastic. Benn typically fights at welterweight (147lbs) but initially agreed to fight his opponent at catchweight (157lbs) back in October 2022.

Meanwhile, Eubank Jr has fought at middleweight (160lbs) and super-middleweight (168lbs) in the past. 

This rescheduled contest was set at the full middleweight limit, with an additional 10lb rehydration clause in effect for fight day. Neither fighter can weigh more than 170lbs on Saturday morning.

Benn wrote: 'Christopher who are you trying to fool and get sympathy from, I’m coming UP to your weight a weight you’ve made your last 3 fights and most of your career! It’s like you’re looking for excuses already? First time you’ve ever missed weight and first time you’ve ever posted a weight cut.'

Eubank Jr shared videos of himself in a sauna suit, used to increase sweating to shed as much water weight as possible.

Excessive use can lead to extreme dehydration and heat exhaustion, hence Eubank Jr's gaunt frame and bone-weary appearance.

He was also seen lying down in a sauna body bag, with only his head exposed. The contraption is electrically heated to a set temperature and promotes passive sweating without physical movement, causing even further weight loss. 

He turned up late to the weigh-in after trying everything to get down to 160lbs, but it was not enough on the day.

The weigh-in controversy follows repeated public warnings from Chris Eubank Sr, who has been outspoken in his opposition to the fight due to concerns over his son's health - as well as Benn's health stepping up in weight.

The former world champion has been particularly alarmed by the weight demands placed on Eubank Jr, especially in light of the 157lb catchweight initially agreed upon for their first scheduled bout in 2022.

Eubank Sr has been vocal about the dangers of weight cutting, drawing from personal tragedy. His brother, Simon, suffered from boxing-related brain damage, and his son, Sebastian, died of a heart attack in 2021.

'They're putting a fight on that is against the law of boxing,' an emotional Eubank Sr told Mail Sport last week.

'I told my son three years ago, that fight does not happen,' Eubank Sr continued. 'He is the wrong weight. I told him why it shouldn't happen and why it will not happen. I was correct last time and I will be correct this time.

'We can't have any more Michael Watsons. He is the people's champion. You are getting blinded by this circus put on by these promoters. Barry (Hearn), your son (Eddie Hearn) said there's real hate now. What hate? It's just money. There's no hate.

'The hate is in the promoters' mindset. I wish you (Chris Jr) would listen but I know you won't.'