Following news of Amir Khan’s failed doping test back in February 2022, promoter Eddie Hearn claimed that ‘a lot of people involved with that fight knew’ before the results were announced by the UK Anti-Doping Agency this year.
Matchroom’s Hearn told IFL TV that people ‘from the promotion, the broadcast, certainly the British Boxing Board of Control, they knew about that situation.’
It was later confirmed that the BBBofC was informed by UKAD at the time of the test along with Khan, but kept the information confidential.
Responding to Hearn’s comments, Ben Shalom of BOXXER – who promoter the show is adamant that he found out this year at the same time fans did – told Fight Disciples that he would going the legal route against what he believed to be ‘one of the most defamatory things he had ever seen.’
“I’m actually shocked to see that. And we don’t like to go back and forth, we don’t want to send legal letters, we don’t want to threaten. But, believe me, something will be going on that.
That is one of the most defamatory things I’ve ever seen, and I’m sure my broadcaster will feel the same way. That upsets me, because we put up with so much stuff and so many lies about ourselves, trying to be dragged into something that we’re not part of. To see something like that, that goes to the very core of our values, that’s out of order beyond all belief.”
Hearn confirmed to Boxing Social that he had received a letter regarding the subject, but stood by his initial statement and signed off playfully.
“I had a letter, that’s about it. We’ve gone back. I said that there’s no way that members of the promotion did not know about the tailed test.
Well, firstly, it was a co-promotion with Amir Khan Promotions. I know a lot of members of the promotion who did know. What can I say? Welcome to the big leagues, son.”
Outside of the promotion, Khan’s case has made the spotlight on UKAD and the British Board from Conor Benn’s doping saga even brighter.
Amongst those who were incensed by the news taking 14 months to break was Kell Brook, who fumed at Khan for keeping it quiet.