The heavily hyped fight between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn is officially off after it was revealed the latter was found to have a banned substance in his system during the lead up.
Just last week it appeared that the most controversial part of the event would be the fact that Eubank’s father, Chris Sr, had publicly pleaded for the ‘dangerous’ fight to not go ahead. Despite that, Junior was ready to go – even completing the biggest weight cut of his career to satisfy the contract terms.
What was to come was completely out of his hands though, as the Daily Mail revealed Benn was found to have clomifene in his system by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency. It’s a substance that is said to increase testosterone in men. The British Boxing Board of Control revoked their involvement and, despite the promoters’ attempt at moving forward with the bout, it has ultimately been postponed.
Reacting to the news, Eubank Jr took to Twitter.
“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.”
It’s just the second time Eubank has spoken out since the news of the doping test was first revealed. Yesterday, he rubbished claims that he had spoken to Benn on the phone about the situation. He went on to reiterate his desire to fight as planned.
So, despite his starkness in addressing Benn’s behaviour, it looks like he will still pursue the match-up in future. The statement released jointly byb promotional companies Matchroom and Wasserman did not allude to when the fight would be rescheduled, although did mention that a legal battle with the board was to come.
There will be undoubtedly more to follow, as a dark time in British boxing rolls on.