Conor Benn fails drug test just days before Chris Eubank Jr showdown
Chris Eubank Jr. vs Conor Benn super-fight plunged into uncertainty after adverse finding
Undefeated WBA Continental welterweight champion Conor Benn (21-0, 14KO) has reportedly failed a drugs test ahead of his catchweight showdown against Chris Eubank Jr. (32-2, 23KO), according to Sportsmail, who broke the news at midday today, only three days before the big fight takes place in London.
The 26-year-old returned an adverse finding for the banned substance clomifene, which is a drug that works similarly to estrogen.
Despite the adverse results, Chris Eubank Jr. is still keen to fight on Saturday’s showdown at the sold-out O2 Arena on October 8. It has not been made clear if this unwanted news will trigger a cancellation to the blockbuster bout, as fight fans and ticket holders eagerly await more news.
Clomifene is usually used to treat infertility in women but can also increase testosterone in men, which would provide an unfair advantage in the sporting arena. It is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency and the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association.
Benn and Eubank Jr were scheduled to come face-to-face at a final press conference on Thursday before the weigh-in on Friday afternoon. The grudge match comes almost 30 years after the second fight between their two iconic fathers Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr, which resulted in a draw.
Statement
A joint statement from promoters Wasserman Boxing, who represent Eubank, and Matchroom, who look after Benn, read: "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."
The British Boxing Board of Control, who are overseeing the fight, have not yet responded to the latest news.
Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank first clashed in the ring on November 18, 1990, almost 32 years ago now. Eubank's surprise win saw him take the WBO World middleweight title from Benn, thus kickstarting the greatest rivalry in British boxing history. They met again almost three years later, in October 1993, a division upwards, for the WBC and WBO World super-middleweight titles, which resulted in a draw.
Now, their talented sons are just days away from reigniting the bad blood between them, but the bout is up in the air until the Board have their say. The fight is believed to be worth seven-figures to each fighter.
Reactions
Respected journalist, Steve Lillis, commented on Twitter: "Imagine if something bad happened in there on Saturday night with this cloud, but as long as £ notes being made, no f**ks for the sport."
Contributor to Ringside Seat, Andrew Harrison, also tweeted his views: "Badly dehydrated guy vs guy with an adverse test result. What could go wrong?"
Belfast boxing legend, Carl Frampton, did not sit on the fence when voicing his opinion, "Boxing does itself no favours. There should be no grey areas. If you fail a test you're banned and in my opinion you should be banned for life."
Martin Theobald from New Age Boxing said: "If this fight were an undercard at York Hall on a Saturday night, it would be cancelled immediately. It's worth millions, so that won't happen. Just remember it next time someone says "you don't play boxing" – turns out you absolutely can."
BBN writer, Anish Parekh, quoted: "The fight terms regarding weight and rehydration were dodgy enough. Now we have a positive drug test."
