Conor Benn has failed a drug test ahead of his fight with Chris Eubank Jr - but the bout will go ahead.
Benn and Eubank are due to settle their family feud in London on Saturday night, 30 years after their legendary fathers met for the second time. But Benn, who is the underdog going into the bout, tested positive for clomifene, a substance found in medication to treat infertility in women but which can also boost testosterone production in men.
The test took place in August and Benn has since tested negative. A statement from promoters Matchroom 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."
Benn and Eubank Jr are due to meet at a catchweight of 157lb, three pounds lighter than the latter has weighed during his professional career. Benn, a welterweight, will fight almost two weight divisions higher, but said earlier this week he was confident he would prevail.
"I feel powerful. I’ve been sparring super-middleweights, light heavies and cruisers. I feel strong. I love a challenge and I fear no man," he said. "I’ve had to jump up two weights from welter, but this is the biggest and the best fight out there for me.
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"I’m just so in my element and in my zone. There’s no animosity with Eubank Jr, but he’s still a man who stands in my way. I haven’t been beaten and that means the world to me. I don’t know defeat. All of my knockouts have come in four rounds, so I wouldn’t be surprised if that happens, but I always prepare for a hard fight."
Benn was also embracing the aim of restoring family pride after his father Nigel was held to a controversial draw by Eubank Sr in their second meeting at Old Trafford in 1993. "This fight has been mentioned for my whole career. It’s such a fantasy fight for the public and the stars have aligned," he said.
"Most definitely family pride is at stake, it’s a family feud. The fight is as big as it is because of our dads’ original rivalry. I best get the win, I cannot lose."
