Conor Benn’s fight against Chris Eubank Jr at the 02 Arena this Saturday night has been postponed due to an adverse drugs result.
Clomiphene
On Wednesday, it was revealed that Benn, 26, had tested positive for a banned substance, called Clomiphene (a fertility drug often used by women to increase testosterone) after submitting a urine sample to Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) in September.
After several varied reports as to whether the fight would still go ahead including a joint statement released by Matchroom and Wasserman Boxing which said that they both ‘wish to proceed with the bout this Saturday’, The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoFC) released a statement saying that the fight was now “prohibited as it is not in the interests of boxing.” and was therefore cancelled.
Unhappy Camps
With both camps unhappy, it has been suggested that some form of legal action might take place. Matchroom boxing’s chairman Eddie Hearn, voiced that “Benn hasn’t been given due process” adding “It’s a difficult situation for the Board because the Board do not acknowledge Vada testing. They only acknowledge UKAD for which Conor has had multiple tests for this fight, all of which have been negative.”.
Just three years ago Hearn had praised VADA testing and described it as “the best testing agency in my opinion in the sport” and while speaking on Billy Joe Saunders failed drug test with VADA ahead of his fight with Demetrius Andrade expressed, “What is the point of signing up to a drug testing, if when you fail everyone just goes don’t worry about it or just let him fight?”.
‘There’s an issue’
Former cruiserweight champion and boxing analyst Johnny Nelson criticised Hearn while talking to IFL TV stating, “Now the findings don’t suit him (Hearn) there’s an issue” Nelson believes “he (Hearn) does not have a leg to stand on” regarding taking legal action against the board.
Benn denies taking any banned substances and is said to be ‘truly gutted’. A statement on Instagram says, ‘my immediate focus is on clearing my name because I am a clean athlete!’
Kalle Sauerland, 45, Eubank Jr promoter, said “I have obviously just come from Chris. He is hugely disappointed; he was ready, and he was on weight. He was very much looking forward to this weekend.
Eubank Jr later took to Twitter in response to the postponement and said, “Conor got caught using an illegal substance so the fight is off. Can’t believe it. I really apologise to the fans & everyone that bought tickets, travelled & booked hotels, this should not of happened. He has escaped his schooling… for now.”
Edited by Malachi Gowie
