Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn has officially been postponed
Late in the afternoon on October 6, just two days before fight night, Matchroom Boxing officially called off the Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn October 8 fight despite their best attempts to push forward with the doomed event.
Benn's failed VADA test threw the bout into controversy and what followed can only be described as two days of absolute madness as Eddie Hearn tried every effort to keep the blockbuster event intact, despite such a dark cloud looming over the headlining contest.
In light of the whole debacle, below are all the latest statements made form all the involved parties, plus reactions from boxing experts.
Matchroom and Wasserman:
"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."
Conor Benn:
"I am truly gutted that we were unable to make this fight happen on Saturday and I'm sorry to everyone who has been affected by the postponement.
"I am still completely shocked and surprised by this and it has been couple of days. My team and I will consider the next options including rescheduling the fight, but my immeidate focus is on clearing my name because I am a clean athlete!"
Chris Eubank Jr:
"Conor got caught using an illegal substance so the fight is off. Can't believe it, I really apologise to the fans and everyone that bought tickets, travelled and booked hotels, this should not have happened. He has escaped his schooling… for now."
Eddie Hearn:
"I want to make it clear that Conor Benn is not suspended by the British Boxing Board of Control and we do feel that he hasn't been given due process like many others in this situation before him. I also want to clear up so many different reports from journalists and outlets that we've seen todat about us being in the high court this afternoon, us considering other communications… this is just not true.
"We took our time with Wasserman Boxing and we made a decision that we felt was best for all parties involved. This is a sport that is very, very dear to us, a sport that we've been around our entire life, and whilst we were desperate for this fight to take place for the fans, for the undercard fighters, we also made a decision that we felt we had to at this time, especially considering the interests of the sport and the British public as well."
Tony Sims, Benn's Trainer:
"After 26 years in boxing, a sport I love and have dedicated my life to, I can hand on heart say that I have never experienced or witnessed any athlete in my camp fail an anti-doping test, voluntary or mandatory, and I stand by that fact.
"Today leaves me truly devastated as we call a postponement to such an amazing event I was honoured t be a part of.
"I have worked closely with Conor Benn for the last seven years, developing and mentoring him as a fighter in the ring and a man outside of it. In particular, we have completed this recent 12 week camp alongside Nigel, his father, who has lived with Conor day by day, beginning to end.
"Having spoken to Conor personally in length surrounding the subject and listening to him, I support him as a coach and a friend.
"We are determined to get to the bottom of this as a team, working closely with Conor's legal advisorsn an effort to understand the meaning of "adverse findding" and resolve this matter urgently.
"Thank you for your continued support."
Nigel Benn
"As you know, we're in total shock. I've been with my son for the last 10 weeks and the training has just gone absolutely the best it's ever been. He's a dedicated trainer, leaves no stone unturned, and we'll get to the bottom of this.
"I love my son, I know he don't cut no corners, he justs goes straight at it 100 per cent.
"We'll keep you informed on let you know what the next step is.
"He's a clean athlete."
Reactions
Carl Frampton: "Eubank Jr was boiling down to a weight he hasn't been close to in years, with a contracted rehydration clause against a fighter that tested positive for a PED. Yet people still tried to make that fight happen. Let that sink in."
Frank Warren: "The promoter wants to go on, but that's not in their best interests or best interests of boxing. The Board has shown in integrity. Why have you signed up for VADA if you didn't need to and were relying on UKAD tests?"
Anthony Fowler: "It's been such a bad week for boxing, failing drug tests doesn't matter much anymore. I feel so sorry for the undercard fighters, the fans who booked tickets, time off work and hotels etc. been an absolute nightmare all round."
