Eddie Hearn releases statement following Conor Benn failed drugs test

'He is not suspended and remains free to fight...'

Eddie Hearn has issued an update regarding Saturday's fight between Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr after the news Benn had returned an 'adverse analytical finding' in an anti-doping test. A statement issued via Matchroom and Wasserman Boxing confirmed earlier reports that Benn had returned traces of a fertility drug in a random anti-doping test conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association.

Saturday's fight expected to go ahead

The development appeared to throw the fight into disarray. Crucially, however, the statement says the 26-year-old is not suspended and remains free to fight at the O2. 'We have been made aware that a random anti-doping test for Conor Benn conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association returned an adverse analytical finding for trace amounts of a fertility drug,' the statement reads. 'The B sample has yet to be tested, meaning that no rule violation has been confirmed. Indeed, Mr Benn has not been charged with any rule violation, he is not suspended, and he remains free to fight. 'Mr Benn has since passed a doping control test conducted by the UK Anti-Doping Agency, the anti-doping authority to which the British Board of Boxing Control has delegated its doping control testing for the bout. 'Mr Benn has passed all doping control tests conducted by UKAD. Both fighters have taken medical and legal advice, are aware of all relevant information, and wish to proceed with the bout this Saturday.' https://twitter.com/matchroomboxing/status/1577620873669926914

Saturday's fight in London takes place 30 years after their fathers - Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr - faced each other in the ring.

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