Amidst attempts for the Conor Benn and Chris Eubank fight to proceed despite news of a banned substance found in one of the former’s drug tests, Eddie Hearn has assured fans that it will take place under the British Board of Control or won’t happen at all.
The bombshell story yesterday from the Daily Mail has thrown a super fight into doubt – and sees those involved potentially losing millions. It was reported that the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency recorded clomifene in Benn’s sample – a banned substance that is typically used to treat infertility in women but can also increase testosterone when used by mean.
Despite the findings, and the BBBofC snatching away their support of the fight, everyone involved remained keen to stage it this coming Saturday – including both fighters.
Some pundits have been speculating that, should the British board stick by their decision to ‘prohibit’ the fight, the promoters could seek sanctioning from elsewhere. Names mentioned include the Luxembourg Boxing Federation. It has to be said that, given the home country commission’s clear opposition to the fight taking place under these circumstances, searching for another country to govern the fight would be an exercise in undermining.
Whilst Kalle Sauerland, one half of the promotion, said that he would be open to exploring this route, Eddie Hearn has now come out to categorically state that it won’t be happening on his watch.
“Let’s see what today brings but to make one thing clear, I will not be promoting this fight with a foreign commission or alternative governing body on Saturday night.”
Let’s see what today brings but to make one thing clear, I will not be promoting this fight with a foreign commission or alternative governing body on Saturday night
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) October 6, 2022
So, where does that leave the fight? In the courts, it seems. Hearn has argued that, since the BBBofC only apply findings of the UK Anti-Doping Agency, Benn is free to fight, as the tests carried out by that agency were all returned clear. We should know more at the press conference this afternoon, scheduled for 4PM.