Conor Benn vs Chris Eubank Jr grudge match ‘prohibited’ by British Boxing Board after Benn tests positive for Clomiphene
Conor Benn vs Eubank Jr is on the rocks after the British Boxing Board of Control “prohibited” the fight following Benn’s positive drug test for Clomiphene.
An adverse finding on Benn’s anti-doping test with VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Association) was revealed today via Matchroom Boxing.
Trace amounts of Clomiphene, a fertility drug that can alter testosterone levels, were detected in Benn’s sample.
In a personal statement, Conor Benn confirmed that he had spoken with Eubank Jr and that “as far as I am concerned, the fight is still going ahead”.
The Welterweight did not directly deny the existence of Clomiphene, but instead proclaimed that he has not “committed any violations”.
Opponent, Chris Eubank Jr, later denied that Benn had reached out to contact him, stating that neither fighter had communicated since the fight had been announced in August.
Promoter Eddie Hearn remains adamant that the fight will continue as “there has not been an official doping violation”, despite offering no official confirmation that the fight will continue.
Drama has plagued the fight since its inception, with great attention being drawn to the catchweight of 157lbs and a fight day rehydration clause.
Benn, a welterweight, was moving up in weight from his typical 147lbs whilst Eubank Jr faced the unenviable task of dropping down from as high as 168lbs.
Throughout the build-up, Chris Eubank Sr has repeatedly expressed concerns over his son making the rehydration clause limit imposed on the fight day.
Eubank Sr revealed his fears to the Daily Mail last month, likening the mammoth weight cut to “Russian Roulette” that will put Jr’s life “in danger”.
Eubank Jr and Benn had been expected to clash at The 02 on Saturday, 8 October 2022. It remains up in the air whether the pair can etch their names onto the history of their father’s colossal rivalry between 1990 and 1993.
