One of the biggest fights of the decade looks in ruins as Conor Benn fails a drug test just days before his defining night.
On October 8, as it stands, ‘The Destroyer’ will meet Chris Eubank Jr at the O2 Arena. A quarter century after their fathers went to battle, the two British boxing stars will go toe-to-toe in a contest which has the whole country talking.
Since the announcement of the bout, the pair’s contrasting personalities have gelled to make for a fascinating build-up. While Benn has withdrawn from the public eye and worked silently in the gym, his opponent has paraded around showing off his flash cars and trolled his opponent by eating everything from KFC to birthday cake.
But irrespective of the entertainment value, there’s no denying the elephant in the room. Eubank Jr has operated at world level, whereas his rival has yet to prove himself as a European level contender. In addition, there’s a ginormous size difference between the two men. And now the contest has received further criticism due to the result of the younger man’s drug test.
Chris Eubank Jr turns up to fight week launch event in an insane McLaren (sporf.com)
Conor Benn fails drug test
The Daily Mail have reported that the 26-year-old has tested positive for a banned women’s infertility drug. VADA discovered clomifene in his system, a drug which can drastically increase Testosterone in men.
Earlier this year, the WBC removed the welterweight from their rankings for failing to enrol in their clean boxing programme. This, combined with today’s news, has brought his superb performances into question.
However, despite the controversy, it appears the contest will go ahead as planned after his promoter, Eddie Hearn, addressed the situation.
Matchroom release a statement on Conor Benn’s positive drug test
The promotional company have released the following statement: “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.”
It continued: “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 on Saturday.”
However, this hasn’t gone down particularly well with the public. Many have questioned the point of drug testing if nothing happens when a fighter tests positive. Although we need more details, the purists don’t think Benn should be allowed to set foot in the ring. Furthermore, Eubank Jr is a warrior and you can’t blame him for wanting to fight. But he shouldn’t have a say on what happens next.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
