Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn’s fight this weekend was thrown into jeopardy this morning as reports broke of a drug test finding a banned substance, Clomiphene.
In response to news that a VADA drug test for Conor Benn has returned an adverse finding of the performance enhancer, the promoters of the event have released a statement hinting that the fight will go ahead as planned.
Wasserman, who are in partnership with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing for the promotion, confirmed the news and provide further information regarding other tests, the event, and the fighters.
The statement, which was shared by both Kalle Sauerland and Eddie Hearn, reads:
“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 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.”
ℹ️ #EubankJrBennpic.twitter.com/75nLplAJwu
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) October 5, 2022
Since the governing body’s chosen anti-doping organisation has confirmed clean tests for both participants, it seems that there’s no reason the bout would be forced off.
Eubank Jr’s promoter, Kalle Saulerand, confirmed that the fighters have discussed the developments and are both still onboard, speaking to talkSPORT he said:
“Eubank and Benn spoke personally and decided they want the fight to still go ahead.
The fight on Saturday is on.”