THE BBC have confirmed their “Born Rivals” show previewing the fight between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn will NOT be aired tonight.
It comes after the clash, which was due to take place on Saturday, was plunged into doubt after Benn failed a drugs test.
The build-up show was due to detail the two fights their fathers, Chris Sr and Nigel, had more than 30 years ago, before throwing forward to their sons’ bout this weekend.
Now though, the BBC have replaced the programme – which was due to air at 10.40pm this evening – with period drama Victoria and Abdul.
It is not yet known whether the fight will go ahead at The 02 on Saturday night.
The British Boxing Board of Control confirmed on Wednesday that they are “prohibiting” it from taking place.
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However, Eubank Jr has insisted he still wants it to happen despite reservations over the failed test.
A VADA test found an adverse finding in one of Benn’s results, with traces of the fertility drug clomifene discovered.
But, while Eubank Jr denied Benn’s claim the pair had spoken on the phone to straighten out the issue, he remains keen to face his British rival.
He said: “I am staying out of the politics, I dont know whats going on. I have heard the news, all I can do is be a professional and be ready to fight.
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“I am ready, and as news unfolds we will deal with it as it goes on.
“I am prepared, I have done my job. It is now in the hands of promoters and governing bodies to make this fight happen. All I can do is be ready.
“Of course there are concerns [about the failed test]. I can’t really say too much. I am ready, I am a clean fighter, I have cut the weight, I am ready to go.”
Meanwhile, Benn has protested his innocence just hours after news of his failed test emerged.
He told DAZN: “I’ve not committed any violations. I’ve not been suspended. So as far as I’m concerned the fight’s still going ahead.
“I’ve spoken to Chris [Eubank Jr] personally and we both want the fight to go ahead.
“We’ve both taken medical and legal advice, and as I said, we want the fight to happen for the fans.
“I’ve signed up to every voluntary anti-doping testing there is under the sun.
“Throughout my whole career I’ve been tested. All my UK tests have come back negative throughout my whole career, I’ve never had any issues before.
“Even in the lead-up to this fight, my tests have come up negative, you know, so my team will find out as to why there’s been an initial adverse finding in my test.
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“But as I said, as far as I’m concerned the fight is still going ahead, I’m a clean athlete and we’ll get to the bottom of this.
“I just want to thank everyone for their continued support and I’ll see you on Saturday.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
