London — This weekend’s bout between Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr. in London has been “officially” postponed after Benn tested positive for a banned drug, Matchroom and Wasserman Boxing announced on Thursday.
Eddie Hearn and Kalle Sauerland accepted defeat in their efforts to arrange the catchweight bout at the O2 stadium after the British Boxing Board of Control ruled that it was “prohibited” and “not in the best interests of boxing.”
The BBBofC published a statement on Wednesday after it was found that the fertility medication clomiphene, which increases testosterone levels in males, had been detected in a recent test conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA).
“After conversations with numerous stakeholders, we have decided to officially postpone the fight between Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn,” the promoters announced Thursday in a joint statement.
“It is evident that the British Boxing Board of Control’s decision to revoke their sanctioning lacked due process and was procedurally defective. We aim to pursue this legal matter between the promoters and the board.
“However, while there are legal avenues to allow the fight taking place as planned, we do not believe it is in the best interests of the fighters or the sport as a whole to pursue them at this late point.
As promoters, we take our obligations and responsibilities very seriously, and a thorough inquiry is now required.
Earlier on Thursday, Hearn, Benn’s promoter, ruled out forming an international regulatory body to authorize the fight via social media.
The fight was advertised as a continuation of the grudge between Benn and Eubank, which saw the competitors’ fathers engage in two vicious bouts in the early 1990s.
A catchweight of 157 pounds (71 kilograms) was agreed upon for the boys to continue their family war in a trilogy bout, which would have required Benn, 26, to go up two weight divisions and Eubank Jr. to reduce three pounds.
Eubank Jr, 33, responded to the suspension of the bout by tweeting, “Conor was discovered using a prohibited substance, hence the fight is off. Can’t believe it.
This should not have occurred, and I sincerely apologize to the fans and everyone who purchased tickets, traveled, and booked hotels. He has evaded schooling…for the time being.”
AFP