This Saturday, Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr. were scheduled to carry on the family feud initiated by their fathers more than thirty years ago. Unfortunately, the two boxers were unable to share the ring because Benn tested positive for a ban substance known as clomifene. Now, the showdown has been postponed indefinitely as Michael Benson of Talksport reports that Benn could face suspension of up to four years.
“After discussions with various parties, we have taken the decision to formally postpone the bout between Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn. It is undeniable that the British Boxing Board of Control’s decision to withdraw their sanctioning was procedurally flawed and without due process,” Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing stated.
“That remains a legal issue between the promoters and the Board which we intend to pursue.”
Clomifene is a fertility drug that BALCO Founder Victor Conte says can boost a fighter’s testosterone by as much as 50 percent. As Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated explains, Benn and Matchroom Boxing learned of the positive test approximately one month ago. However, all parties involved reportedly continued to promote the fight until a Daily Mail report publicly revealed the positive test and the British Boxing Board of Control issued a statement condemning the fight.
“This was a positive test that was reported in the Daily Mail. That came out on Wednesday over in the U.K. This was not a test that was reported in real-time. It didn’t happen this week. It happened, according to Kalle Sauerland, the co-promoter of this fight, in late August or early September. After it happened, the two sides were notified by VADA. It’s a requirement to notify both sides when there is a positive test,” Mannix said
“If the Daily Mail didn’t report this, the fight may have happened on Saturday.”
Despite the positive test and the backlash Benn has faced, Hearn has repeatedly stated that the fight has been postponed, not canceled. However, no date has been shared with ticketholders or the press.
?? Conor Benn's positive VADA drugs test for clomifene is reportedly now set to be formally investigated by UKAD. It's claimed Benn could face a ban of up to four years if he is unable to prove his innocence or provide mitigating circumstances. [According to @MailSport]
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) October 7, 2022
