Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn officially called off after last-minute talks collapse

Chris Eubank Jr’s bout with Conor Benn has been officially called off.

An official announcement is imminent on the postponement after Benn produced a positive test for a fertility drug.

The British Boxing Board of Control announced the bout had been called off earlier in the week after the positive test. The board announced traces of a fertility drug were found in a random anti-doping test for Benn conducted earlier this year.

However, despite the British Boxing Board of Control insisting that they have “prohibited” the bout from taking place, Eddie Hearn tried to dispute the claim. But following a hearing, the bout will not go ahead due to Benn’s positive test.

The organisers decided against going to High Court over fears how long a decision could take. The matter could have rumbled on until late on Friday which would have been too late.

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Benn had tested positive for banned substance clomifene, which is used to treat infertility in women, but it can increase testosterone in men.

Matchroom were quick to release a statement – insisting “no rule violation has been confirmed” as the b-sample is yet to be tested. And the promotion had said that Benn would remain free to fight on Saturday evening.

Benn himself also said he was a clean fighter, and he had spoken to Eubank Jr, who also wanted the fight to go ahead.

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Benn said: “I’ve not committed any violations. I’ve not been suspended so as far as I’m concerned the fight is still going ahead. I’ve spoken to Chris [Eubank] personally and we both want the fight to go ahead.

“We both have taken medical and legal advice and we want the fight to go ahead for the fans. 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 whole career.

“I’ve never had any issues before. My team will find out why there has been an initial adverse finding in my [Vada] test. We’ll get to the bottom of this and we’ll see you on Saturday.”

On Thursday, leading sponsors were considering withdrawing their support for the clash if it goes ahead without British Boxing Board of Control approval.

One option that was explored was bringing in a foreign body to oversee it – although Heard claimed this would not happen.

It would have brought about many complications, including medical support ringside and whether it could be obtained.

At least one sponsor is considering walking away and is monitoring the situation carefully.

JD Sports, BetFred, Stage Front, Wing Stop, FCI Markets and socios.com are among the official partners listed on the fight poster for the event.

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