By Gabriel Princewill-
The boxing match between Connor Benn and Chris Eubank jnr has been cancelled , following a failed doping test. The cancellation follows a revelation n Wednesday that Benn had returned an “adverse analytical finding for trace amounts of a fertility drug” – only for promoters Matchroom Boxing to insist the contest remained on.
After the fight between Tyson fury and Anthony Joshua was called off due to over a failed or delayed signed contract, the news that Benn and Eubank Jnr has been called off, has sent British Boxing crashing for the rest of the year.
Benn tested positive for clomifene, a substance given to women to promote fertility. Why is it banned? It also promotes the production of muscle mass in males through increased testosterone. This potentially gives the Benn an edge on fight night, but Chris Eubank is not worried about it. Yet, in the event the fighters and promoters are able to circumvent the prohibition stipulated against the scheduled fight, victory for Benn would detract from the integrity of the win. equally, Eubank Jnr would rightly gloat if emerged victorious with this unedifying news of a failed drug test owing to the presence of banned substance in Benn’s system.
The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) has now insisted the fight, set to headline an event at O2 Arena on Saturday, should not go ahead saying it was “prohibited as it is not in the interests of Boxing.”
Benn told Matchroom Boxing on Wednesday afternoon: “I’ve not committed any violations, I’ve not been suspended, so as far as I am concerned the fight is still going ahead.”
The son of the legendary Nigel Benn passed several other anti-doping tests by regulators recognised by the BBBofC , but this has not officially resolved the original failed test. Although both sides have expressed a readiness to go ahead with the fight, but the ruling of the British Board of Governor’s ruling is likely to be decisive on the matter. Benn has not been suspended by the British Boxing Board of Governors.
The showdown was set to evoke memories of one of the greatest boxing rivalries between their respective father’s in the 90’s that saw Chris Eubank Snr and Nigel Benn go to war twice, with Eubank winning both times- the first by knockout in the sixth, and then by a controversial landslide decision for their rematch. The fighters were the epitomy of grit and tenacity as professionals, engaging in a brutal war of attrition which captured the imagination of the British public. Benn was nick named the dark destroyer.
A fight between their two sons three decades later was always going to be a winner for boxing fans. The two well known fighters were on course to go for glory in at an agreed catchweight designed to compensate for the natural disparity in the weight of the boxers.
With Chris Eubank Jnr dismissing Benn as not a serious threat for a fight of this magnitude, and vowing to retire in the event of defeat, interest in the fight had gathered much momentum.
However, desperate concerns by his father for the fight to be dumped because of concerns he had of the potential consequential damage that could result from his son being dehydrated to lose weight for the fight, only enhanced intrigue in the match up.
Today’s announcement that Benn failed a drug test was simply not the news the boxing world wanted to hear.
Promoter Eddie Hearn said it was a “difficult time for everyone” but said both sides believe the fight should happen.
He said Eubank Jr’s camp had examined the findings of Benn’s positive test and said they were still happy to proceed with the fight, it was just the BBBofC who disagreed – something Hearn said he respected.
He said he was confident Benn would not be suspended because the subsequent tests he passed meant the BBBofC had no legal basis to do so.
Hearn said he believed the fight would still happen, but it might be subjected to a delay.
Disappointed Connor benn said he had never had a positive test before and said his team would “find out why there’s been an initial reverse finding in my test.”
A statement from the BBBofC read: “On the evening of 4th October 2022, the Board of the British Boxing Board of Control Limited resolved that the contest between Chris Eubank Jnr. and Conor Benn scheduled to take place on 8th October 2022 is prohibited as it is not in the interests of Boxing.
“That was communicated to the Boxers and Promoters involved on the morning of 5th October 2022.”
Hearn released a joint-statement alongside promotors Matchroom and Wasserman Boxing, before the BBBofC announcement.
“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,” it read.
“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.”