Matchroom Boxing finally call off Eubank-Benn fight after major controversy
Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn has officially been postponed
At 4:07pm on October 6, just two days before fight night, the official announcement everyone was expecting all day long was finally made.
Matchroom Boxing released the following statement in light of Conor Benn's adverse findings in his most recent VADA test: "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."
Benn
Undefeated WBA Continental welterweight champion, Conor Benn, issued a statement shortly after, "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!"
Eubank Jr.
Chris Eubank Jr. also had his say, "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."
Hearn
In a press conference, Hearn declared, "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."
Reactions
Former world champion Carl Frampton reacted to the postponement with, "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."
Rival promoter Frank Warren also gave his opinion, "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?"
Callum Smith favourite to be Chris Eubank Jr’s next opponent after Conor Benn bout collapses
Callum Smith is the 6/4 favourite at BetFair to be Chris Eubank Jr’s next opponent after his fight against Conor Benn was cancelled.
Betfair – Chris Eubank Jr next opponent odds:
Callum Smith 6/4
Conor Benn 3/1
Kell Brook 5/1
Gennedy Golovkin 7/1
Canelo Alvarez 20/1
Billy Joe Saunders 33/1
Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom said: “Following late cancellation of his eagerly-awaited bout against Conor Benn, Chris Eubank Jr now finds himself without an opponent and Callum Smith is the 6/4 to fill the gap and be his next challenger.
“Kell Brook coming out of retirement for an all-British clash as Eubank’s next opponent is 5/1, while Eubank seeking a huge international fight against Golovkin is 7/1 and shot to win four titles against Canelo next is 20/1.”
