Benn tested positive for a banned substance on Wednesday
The Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn fight this weekend has reportedly been officially called off.
The highly-anticipated match-up was rocked on Wednesday, after new broke that Benn had tested positive for banned substance clomifene.
Co-promoters Eddie Hearn and Kalle Sauerland – as well as both Eubank Jr and Benn – had insisted the fight would still go ahead, even after the British Boxing Board of Control stated the bout was prohibited from taking place.
Hearn’s Matchroom company challenged the Board’s refusal to sanction the fight, with the promoter insisting “there’s no reason, in terms of suspension, or violations, the fight should not take place”.
MailOnline reported Thursday afternoon that despite extensive legal talks, the decision to call off the fight had now been made.
Both Eubank Jr and Benn were set to make six-figure purses on the fight.
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Hearn had earlier insisted Benn could not be suspended by the Board and that the fight should go ahead.
The fighter failed a VADA test – the A sample – but the British Boxing Board of Control is governed by the UK Anti-Doping Agency, who are typically contracted by the boxers and promoters prior to a fight.
The 26-year-old, according to Hearn, passed all doping control tests by UKAD – including one taken after the adverse finding.
There was tall that a foreign sanctioning body could be used, but Hern rejected that on Thursday, Sportsmail reported.
“We have no desire to use a foreign authority.”
Benn has protested his innocence, saying: “I’ve not committed any violations, I’ve not been suspended so as far as I’m concerned the fight’s still going ahead.
“I’ve spoken to Chris personally and we both want the fight to go ahead. We’ve both taken medical and legal advice and we both want the fight to happen for the fans.”
Related links:
- Eddie Hearn releases statement following Conor Benn failed drugs test
- Eddie Hearn sues Jake Paul for $100million following bribe allegation
- Eddie Hearn reveals details of first interaction with Anthony Joshua after Usyk defeat
- Eddie Hearn hits out at Tyson Fury for ‘talking sh*t’ following Anthony Joshua fight
