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Chris Eubank Jr has revealed that his huge rematch against Conor Benn is still yet to be contractually agreed.
His concerning update appears to cast doubt over the November 15 contest set to take place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Originally the bitter rivals were supposed to lock horns again in September but that came too soon for Eubank Jr, who said he would not be ready and the bout was rearranged.
Eubank Jr won the brutal, brilliant first encounter on April 26 and bagged a £10million purse after taking the 12-rounder by unanimous decision (116–112, 116–112, 116–112).
Many believed the rematch was set in stone this winter but the 35-year-old has now provided an update, telling Ring Magazine's Inside the Ring podcast: 'These are not easy waters to navigate. You know, the final contract for this fight hasn’t actually even been fully agreed on.
'So, you know, there’s still a few things that we’re gonna try and smooth out and make right.'
Chris Eubank Jr says there are still contractual elements yet to be agreed for his rematch
Eubank Jr, pictured with his father Chris Eubank, would not divulge what is being negotiated
'There are certain parts of the contract that are still up for negotiation. I’m not going to go into what parts of those contracts they are, but we are in negotiations for certain things,' he added. 'So, it’s up to me and my team to get the best deal.'
Eubank Jr was fined £375,000 after the first fight for failing to make weight but the duo are still set to compete at 160lbs again with a 10lb rehydration clause.
It remains to be seen whether this will be changed or has actually not been contractually inked in for the November bout.
In a previous interview with talkSPORT, Eubank Jr's promoter Ben Shalom said: 'We aren’t happy with the rehydration clause. Chris isn’t committed to that rehydration clause again, as of yet.
'The initial time that was put to us it was an ultimatum. It was the fight is not happening unless this. So Chris is in a difficult position.
'Everything was agreed, everything, we’ve gone through the contract and done every single clause.
'We get to the last moment just before the press conference and then it was landed on us, an ultimatum like that.
The boxing promoter added: 'In the end, Chris is a money man, and he accepted the challenge. Is it healthy, is it right? Should it be banned from boxing? Absolutely. It should not be used in this fight.'
The highly-anticipated rematch will take place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
The fighters held a press conference ahead of the rematch last month and tension was high when Eubank Jr refused to allow Eddie Hearn to speak, even to pay tribute to the late Ricky Hatton.
Hearn, representing Benn, attempted to pay his respects to the former world champion at the beginning of today's press conference but was incredulously cut off by Eubank Jr as he did so, leading to a heated argument in front of reporters.
'Just firstly, 30 seconds on Ricky Hatton,' Hearn began as Eubank Jr bellowed: 'Come on Eddie, there's no 30 seconds. You know the drill.'
It prompted an angry response from Hearn, who labelled the boxer, son of the legendary Chris Eubank, an 'a**hole'.
Benn (blue t-shirt) and Eubank Jr have plenty of bad blood heading into the rematch
'All I was going to do was say a few words about Ricky Hatton,' he added, 'you're an a**hole, you talk shit, you'll get what's coming to you.'
Eubank Jr meanwhile continued talking over Hearn: 'I'm not going to sit here and listen to anything you say. I don't want to hear any of your words. Let's move on with the press conference, we know the drill.'
The relationship between both camps is fractious at best and news that there are still negotiations to be ironed out will worry fans ahead of the November 15 fight.
Ultimately, all parties will know how much money there is to be may and it seems likely that common sense will prevail.
