Chris Eubank Jr has responded for the first time after his fight with Conor Benn was officially called off.
It emerged on Wednesday that Benn had failed a drugs test after traces of clomifene, a female fertility drug, were found in a sample taken by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association.
The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) then announced the fight was “not in the interests of boxing” as the governing body made the decision not to sanction the fight, though promoters Eddie Hearn and Kalle Sauerland maintained that the bout would still be going ahead as Benn had not been suspended.
A chaotic 24 hours followed, with reports of legal action and suggestions that those involved in the fight intended to find alternative ways for it to take place as scheduled on Saturday night at the 02 Arena.
However, it was confirmed on Thursday afternoon that the fight has been postponed, along with the rest of the card, and Eubank Jr took to Twitter to apologise for the impact the decision had on fans.
Conor got caught using an illegal substance so the fight is off. Can’t believe it. I really apologise to the fans & everyone that bought tickets, traveled & booked hotels, this should not of happened. He has escaped his schooling… for now.
— Chris Eubank Jr (@ChrisEubankJr) October 6, 2022
“Conor got caught using an illegal substance so the fight is off,” Eubank Jr posted.
“Can’t believe it. I really apologise to the fans & everyone that bought tickets, traveled & booked hotels, this should not of happened. He has escaped his schooling… for now.”
Speaking on Wednesday after the news broke, Benn insisted he was a “clean athlete” as he pointed to his UK Anti-Doping tests, which to this point have all come back negative.
“I’ve not committed any violations, I’ve not been suspended so as far as I’m concerned the fight’s still going ahead,” Benn said.
He added: “I’ve signed up to every voluntary anti-doping testing there is under the sun. All my UKAD tests have come back negative throughout my career. I’ve never had any issues before.”
ℹ️ #EubankJrBenn is postponed pic.twitter.com/xuWwJ4vA9T
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) October 6, 2022
In a brief press conference, in which no questions from the media were taken, Hearn and Sauerland criticised what they perceived to be a “totally inappropriate” decision from the BBBofC to not sanction the fight, stating that the matter had been taken out of their hands.
A joint statement confirmed that the promoters intend to take legal action against the governing body.
“It is undeniable that the British Boxing Board of Control’s decision to withdraw their sanctioning was procedurally flawed and without due process,” the statement read.
“That remains a legal issue between the promoters and the board which we intend to pursue.
