On Friday, it became official. The highly anticipated fight in the UK between Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn, scheduled for Saturday at The O2 in London, is off after Benn tested positive for a banned fertility drug(clomifene).
Despite Benn’s positive test, it appeared that the fight would happen. Eubank Jr. still wanted to go through with fight and both sides agreed to keep the fight on.
However, according to a statement from Benn’s promoter, Matchroom Boxing, after the British Boxing Board of Control refused to sanction the bout, both sides agreed to postpone the fight.
Below is the statement from Matchroom Boxing:
“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. That remains a legal issue between the promoters and the Board, which we intend to pursue.
However, whilst there are legal routes to facilitate the fight taking place as planned, we do not believe that it is in the fighters’ interests for those to be pursued at such a late stage, or in the wider interests of the sport. As promoters, we take our obligations and duties very seriously, and a full investigation will now need to take place. We will be making no further comment at this time, and news for ticket holder refunds will follow.”
The fight, which was going to be contested at a catch weight of 157 pounds, will still probably happen down the line. According to Benn, he’s a clean fighter and will look to clear his name.
This fight was intriguing due to the rivalry between the fathers, Chris Eubank Sr. and Nigel Benn, who fought twice(1990 and 1993). Eubank Sr. won the first fight, and the second fight ended in a draw.
