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    Top 10 heavyweight boxers in the world revealed by Ring Magazine with no Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua second

    RING MAGAZINE have released their latest top ten heavyweight rankings – and Tyson Fury is missing from them.The 34-year-old Gypsy King currently holds the WBC title and is planning to defend it on December 3 after talks for a bumper showdown with Anthony Joshua collapsed.
    Tyson Fury has been omitted from the latest top ten rankings from Ring MagazineCredit: Getty
    Anthony Joshua is second still in the standings despite his rematch loss to Oleksandr UsykCredit: PA
    He remains undefeated after knocking out Dillian Whyte in April – but there is no place for him in the latest Ring Magazine rankings.
    Instead it is unified WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO and Ring Magazine belt holder Oleksandr Usyk that sits top of the pile as champ.
    The reason for Fury’s omission is down to the fact that he vacated the Ring Magazine title after claiming he had retired following his last fight.
    That led to the strap being on the line in Usyk and Joshua’s rematch, which the Ukrainian claimed via split decision.
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    However, Fury has now announced that he will be returning as he closes in on lining up an opponent for two months time.
    Usyk is closely followed by Joshua, who has now lost three of his last four fights, and Deontay Wilder in third.
    The American returns to the ring this month to face Robert Helenius in his first fight since losing to Fury for a second time.
    Fresh from his victory over Joseph Parker, Joe Parker takes fourth with the New Zealander sitting seventh.
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    Former Joshua conqueror and ex-WBA, IBF and WBO title holder Andy Ruiz, who recently beat sixth-ranked Luis Ortiz by unanimous decision, is fourth in the new standings.
    Whyte is fifth, while Croatian Filip Hrgovic (15-0) is eighth.
    Unbeaten Cuban Frank Sanchez takes ninth.
    And Chinese veteran Zhilei Zhang, 39, completes the top ten despite his recent loss to Hrgovic. More

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    Floyd Mayweather in shock talks to fight Conor McGregor TWICE – in MMA and boxing – in world record £1.3BILLION deal

    FLOYD MAYWEATHER could take on Conor McGregor in the Octagon – as well as in a much-anticipated boxing rematch – for a world-record $1.5billion (£1.3bn) payday.Money’s team is in talks with the UFC star’s team for a two-fight contract which will see the pair meet again in the boxing ring – followed by a second MMA fight, a source has claimed.
    Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor are in talks to meet againCredit: AFP or licensors
    McGregor, 34, could welcome Mayweather to the octagonCredit: Getty
    It would be the first time Mayweather, 45, has ever fought under MMA rules.
    Both matches will be for official record and the undefeated champ is even willing to put his trademark TBE – The Best Ever – up for grabs, according to the insider.
    The matches will take place in Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia in 2023 if the contracts are drawn up, they added.
    Money’s protege Gervonta Davis, 27, and rival Ryan Garcia, 24, are set to be the undercard for the boxing event – with the source saying that Mayweather Promotions has already sent out a contract.
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    It comes after Floyd confirmed he was in talks to fight the Dubliner, 34, again last month.
    “Floyd is now in talks to step over into Octagon if the money is right,” a source in Money’s camp told SunSport.
    “They are now looking to sign a two-fight contract worth $1.5bn (£1.3bn).
    “The plan is that one fight will take place in Abu Dhabi and the other in Saudi Arabia.
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    “So there will be a boxing fight and also an MMA fight under MMA rules.
    “Floyd and Conor’s teams are in talks all this week.
    “Davis has also sent Garcia a contract for a fight to take place before Conor and Floyd’s boxing match.
    “If the deal is struck Floyd will remove the trademark TBE – The Best Ever – if he fails to beat Conor in both fights. That will be added to the contract.
    “The boxing will be for official record. And the MMA match will also be for MMA official record.
    “Right now they are looking for both fights to be carried out in 2023.”
    Mayweather confirmed ongoing discussions with McGregor for a sequel next year in an interview with the Mail.
    Then I have another exhibition Dubai in November and me and Conor McGregor in 2023Floyd Mayweather
    Ahead of his latest exhibition bout last weekend, in which he knocked out Japanese MMA fighter Mikuru Asakura, he said: “I want to go out there this weekend and have fun.
    “Then I have another exhibition Dubai in November and me and Conor McGregor in 2023.
    “We don’t know if it’s going to be an exhibition of a real fight. But there’s been talks of both. I would prefer an exhibition.”
    SunSport first revealed talks for a blockbuster rematch with McGregor and how the rivals were negotiating the terms of a deal.
    The boxing legend officially hung up his gloves in 2017 after beating McGregor in ten rounds in Las Vegas, in a bout that generated $500m (£450m).
    Things got heated in the build-up to the pair’s first fightCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    The Notorious put on a show as he goaded Mayweather before the boutCredit: AP:Associated Press
    Since then, Mayweather has had four exhibition bouts, not officially sanctioned or affecting his historic 50-0 record.
    Next month he heads back to the Middle East to face YouTube boxing star Deji, 25, brother to social media sensation KSI, 29.
    Mayweather first returned in December 2018, beating featherweight kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa, 24, in one round.
    He then faced YouTuber Logan Paul, 27, in June 2021 and was surprisingly taken the distance.
    Mayweather also fought ex-sparring partner Don Moore, which he dominated over eight rounds.
    Mayweather defeated McGregor via tenth-round knockoutCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Both fighters were winners when it came to the enormous purseCredit: AP:Associated Press
    Talk of a rematch with McGregor has persisted ever since the pair sold 4.3million pay-per-views and generated over £500m.
    McGregor was allowed out of his contract by the UFC to face Mayweather – but has not boxed since.
    UFC president Dana White recently spoke out against the rematch, saying he hoped it wouldn’t happen.
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    McGregor, who has not fought since he broke his leg during a fight with Dustin Poirier in July 2021, has two fights left on his current UFC contract, meaning he would be free to fight Mayweather once his deal is up.
    He is set to return next year but is currently filming a Roadhouse reboot alongside Jake Gyllenhaal, 41.
    Mayweather and McGregor’s first bout generated £500mCredit: Getty
    Floyd Mayweather defeated Mikuru Asakura in an exhibition last weekendCredit: Rex More

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    Tyson Fury set to fight Derek Chisora on December 3 as Gypsy King agrees trilogy after Anthony Joshua bout collapses

    TYSON FURY is set to fight Derek Chisora in a trilogy bout next after talks with Anthony Joshua were KO’d. Fury recently revealed his boxing return was in the works for December 3 in Cardiff with an announcement imminent.
    Derek Chisora and Tyson Fury are set to fight againCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    SunSport understands he has now verbally agreed to fight Chisora once more to complete their trilogy series.
    Fury had offered Joshua a 60/40 financial split in his favour but promoters could not agree terms and went back to pointing the finger.
    And with Oleksandr Usyk – who twice beat AJ – out until next year hopes of a unification were also shelved.
    Fury had offered Mahmoud Charr and Chisora the chance to fight him as he drew up alternate plans to AJ.
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    But Chisora, 38, is due to beat Charr, 37, to it and get his third crack at the Gypsy King, over a decade from his first go.
    Fury, an underdog at the time, beat the heavyweight on points in 2011 and then won by stoppage in their 2014 rematch.
    But he had always promised Chisora a needless trilogy, as their love-hate relationship changed from friend to foe on the regular.
    Currently, the pair are feuding after Fury, 34, became irritated at Del Boy for always picking against him.
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    And the two came face-to-face last month in Manchester as Joe Joyce, 37, knocked out Joseph Parker, 30.
    Fury announced the latest of his retirements in April after knocking out Dillian Whyte, 34, at Wembley.
    But by August the unpredictable two-time world champion claimed he was coming back in order to fight Chisora and sent a £2m proposal.
    A month after that, Fury challenged Joshua, 32, out of the blue, leading to sock but genuine conversations for a Battle of Britain.
    Although opposing camps walked away from the negotiation table last week, all while Eddie Hearn said Chisora was in talks with Fury.
    Joshua is now expected to return on December 17 where he begins his rebuilding job following consecutive losses to Usyk.
    And Fury meanwhile will bide his time and wait for the Ukrainian hero by welcoming Chisora back to the ring.
    Usyk, 35, has confirmed he is ready to return next year for what would be the heavyweight division first four-belt undisputed decider.
    Derek Chisora was stopped in his rematch with Tyson FuryCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Anthony Joshua was twice beaten by Oleksandr UsykCredit: Getty More

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    Conor Benn’s brother Harley named on Floyd Mayweather vs Deji undercard just day after sibling’s bout collapses

    HARLEY BENN is the latest edition on the undercard of Floyd Mayweather’s exhibition in Dubai. Mayweather faces YouTuber Deji on November 13 at the Coca-Cola Arena on a Global Titans event.
    Harley Benn pictured with brother Conor
    Providing support on the undercard is Benn, son of British boxing legend Nigel, who will fight unbeaten Indian star Faizan Anwar.
    The middleweight, 26, is 9-1 while Anwar, 21, is a 13-0 prospect.
    Global Titans announced the bout and revealed anti-doping tests will be in place.
    A statement said: “The Middle East Professional Boxing Commission has requested a full Anti Doping testing regime for this bout.”
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    That comes following the news of Benn’s brother Conor failing a pre-fight drug test ahead of his catchweight clash with Chris Eubank Jr.
    Conor, 26, returned an adverse finding for the banned substance clomifene in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association test.
    The substance, usually used to treat infertility in women but can increase testosterone in men, is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
    It led to the British Boxing Board of Control refusing to license the bout set for Saturday, which was eventually called off by promoters.
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    Conor, who did past the British Boxing Board of Control-governed UK Anti-Doping tests so will not be suspended, protested his innocence.
    He said: “I am truly gutted we are unable to make this fight happen on Saturday and I am sorry to everybody who has been affected by this postponement.
    “I am still shocked by this and shocked by this, and it has been a tough couple of days.
    “My team and I will consider the next options including rescheduling the flight, but my immediate focus is on cleaning my name because I am a clean athlete!”
    Eubank Jr, 32, who was ready to fight, slammed Conor in a series of posts.
    He tweeted: “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, travelled & booked hotels, this should not of happened.
    “He has escaped his schooling… for now.”
    Chris Eubank Jr slammed Conor Benn over his failed drug testCredit: PA More

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    Tyson Fury sends Jake Paul supportive message despite Love Island brother Tommy’s feud with YouTuber

    JAKE PAUL revealed Tyson Fury sent him a message of support – despite his ongoing feud with brother Tommy. The YouTuber-turned fighter named Fury as his No1 best boxer in the world.
    Jake Paul revealed Tyson Fury sent him a message of support
    Paul said on his podcast: “My top ten pound-for-pound list has caused some commotion in boxing.
    “But the man himself, Tyson Fury backed what I had to say and then sent me this message.”
    Fury, 34, can be heard saying: “Jakey get up there Jake Paul.”
    Paul, 25, then cuts off the rest of the private message but aimed a dig at boxing rival Tommy, 25, in the process.
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    He said: “We’re secretly friends, sorry Tommy. I think me and Tyson have a special bond. I really love that guy.”
    The celebrity fighters have TWICE signed for a grudge match but both times Tommy was withdrawn.
    An injured rib last December and US visa issues this August saw the 2019 Love Islander pulled out of the pay-per-view paydays.
    And Tommy’s hopes of rescheduling for a third time were dashed after Paul signed to face UFC legend on October 29.
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    But in the meantime, opposing camps have held talks to finally get the fight done, which would be one final effort.
    Paul told SunSport: “This is his last chance, last chance for Tommy.
    “And I’m still not sure if we’ll really run that, it’s just an idea, our teams are talking. But there might be bigger fights. 
    “When I beat Anderson Silva, a lot more people are going to want to fight me, so there might be bigger names out there and more interesting opportunities. 
    “It could happen and if it does I’m happy to come to the UK.”
    Tyson Fury pictured with brother TommyCredit: Instagram @tommyfury More

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    Tommy Fury could ‘easily’ beat Jake Paul says Ahmed Elbiali, who sparred YouTuber but says it’s ‘still a great fight’

    TOMMY FURY has been tipped to beat Jake Paul ‘easily’ by Ahmed Elbiali, who sparred the YouTuber. Fury, the younger half-brother of WBC heavyweight champion Tyson, has seen two fights cancelled at the final hour.
    Tommy Fury will finally fight Jake Paul in February, according to repotsCredit: Instagram
    YouTuber Jake Paul is unbeaten in his boxing career
    The Brit – who pulled out of their December showdown due to illness and injury – was then scheduled to have another bout in August, but that too got called off.
    However, now it appears they will finally get in the ring in February, as per Paul.
    On his BS w/ Jake Paul podcast, the 25-year-old social media star told said: ‘Had a call with Tommy Fury. Yeah, they’re saying we’re going to fight in February.
    “I think he actually can’t come into the United States. So if I fight him in the UK, I think parts of it are shady, I don’t think we’re getting the full truth on everything, but regardless, it’s a great matchup and I really want to knock him out.”
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    Now, light-heavyweight contender Elbiali predicts Fury would be a sound winner when they come to blows.
    Elbiali, 32, told SunSport: “Fury, I think would beat him, hands down, easily.
    “But at the same time it’s still a great fight for Jake, because Tommy hasn’t fought anybody.
    “Tommy is still new to the game, and you also tend to lower yourself to your opponent. Knowing he’s fighting Jake Paul, he might lower his standards slightly.”
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    Elbiali, who has 18 knockouts in his 22 wins, sparred Paul, 25, once before the social media sensation left ex-NBA player Nate Robinson, 38, out cold.
    He got a phone call from a friend just after he had finished a morning workout, and while he was in a Nike store shopping.
    The Egyptian-born boxer admitted to pulling his punches against Paul, who only made his pro debut last year off the back of a scrappy white collar bout in England in 2018.
    But still Elbiali sees the passion and potential in Paul, which came as he ignored calls from his pals to needlessly wipe out the internet phenomenon.
    Elbiali said: “He’s a hardworking dude, he seems passionate about boxing and he carries some power. Is he green? Yeah, he’s very green.
    “I did hold back because I had to, and I’m not that type of guy. I had friends telling me, ‘You should have lit him the f*** up’ but it’s like bro, it’s all good.
    “I lit him up in different ways. I lit him up without punching him, I tried to exhaust him, made him miss, hit him to the body.
    “Jake’s a smart dude, he’s pretty smart in the boxing ring too.”
    Elbiali did not receive a call back to spar with Paul again in the build up to his third pro fight – his win over retired UFC welterweight Ben Askren.
    Ahmed Elbiali pictured with boxing legend Floyd Mayweather More

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    Inside glitzy life of Ryan Garcia after unbeaten boxer’s dramatic body transformation

    RYAN GARCIA is back feeling on top of the world.The unbeaten boxing prospect, 24, took a year away from the sport to focus on his mental health after beating Luke Campbell in January 2021.
    Garcia scored a dramatic win over Campbell to take the WBC interim lightweight crownCredit: Getty
    The Californian-born star has won all 23 of his pro fightsCredit: Instagram @kingry
    The 24-year-old returned to the ring for the first time in over a yearCredit: Instagram @kingry
    He has undergone a radical transformation by adding a host of tattoosCredit: Instagram @kingry
    Now firmly back in the game, he saw off Emmanuel Tagoe on April 9 in San Antonio to maintain his unbeaten record.
    And he followed up with a win over Javier Fortuna in Los Angeles in July.
    Know as Flash or KingRy, the Californian-born lightweight burst onto the scene as a fresh-faced pro aged just 17.
    He’s since battled his way up the rankings, winning all 23 of his fights and taking the vacant WBC interim lightweight crown after the dramatic stoppage of Campbell.
    Hailing from a big family, Garcia’s success is tied to his parents – his father Henry remains on his training team, while mother Lisa is his tireless PA.
    Blessed with movie-star looks and fast hands, the boxer of Mexican descent has let his fists do the talking to build up an estimated net worth of $10million.
    And that cash has certainly gone to good use, with Garcia reportedly splashing out on a car and a mansion for his mum – before he even turned 21.
    His own family is growing too, with Garcia having two young daughters to provide for.
    He has three-year-old Rylie with former girlfriend Catherine Gamez and 18-month-old Bela with social media star Drea Celina.
    ‘EVERYTHING CAME CRASHING DOWN’
    Garcia certainly lives his life in the fast lane and that shows with his car collection.
    Speed is his friend both in and out of the ring judging by the motors he shares with his 8.7m Instagram followers.
    KingRy has some impressive rides at his disposal, including a Lamborghini Urus, Ferrari 488 GTB and Porsche 718 Boxster.
    That Lambo packs a serious punch, generating a whopping 641bhp and costing a cool $225,000.
    He’s also the proud owner of a $118k Audi RS Seven, which features a 4.0-liter Twin-Turbo V8 and reaches 60mph in a hair-raising 3.5 seconds.
    Boxing fans who didn’t keep up with Garcia during his year away were in for a shock when he entered the ring in July.
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    Flash has undergone a dramatic body transformation, with his upper torso now dominated by a number of striking tattoos.
    Garcia started to increase his body art in early 2021 and now boasts over ten tatts around his shoulders and chest alone.
    He has two lions on either side of his chest, reportedly to signify strength and point towards his ‘KingRy’ nickname.
    There are also the words ‘Shock the World’ inked on the back of his shoulder, while on his right arm is a cross.
    Garcia was baptized in January 2021 and takes his faith seriously.
    ‘I’M THANKFUL, I REALLY AM’
    He explains: “The cross [tattoo signifies] the strength, the power in my right hand.
    “Don’t underestimate the left one either, as it too has got that power.”
    A dove on his right shoulder is said to signify “the holy spirit that guides me”, while there’s also a laurel wreath around his neck.
    Garcia is one of the most exciting talents in boxing, with Oscar De La Hoya predicting he can become “the biggest star boxing has ever seen.”.
    Now back healthy again and raring to go after his year out of the ring, the unbeaten star can’t wait to fight and take his pro record 22-0.
    But he is thankful that he has overcome the mental health demons which struck just three weeks after his win over Campbell.
    He told InsideHook: “Everything came crashing down on me. I was lost in my head and words can’t really describe how I felt.
    “It was like being in a maze and didn’t know where to go. I’m just happy to be here. I’m thankful, I really am. 
    “I didn’t understand it. I have everything, I’m doing so good. I get people telling me that ‘Ryan, just like the fact that you came out, you saved my life.’
    “And that right there is worth all the pain I went through. If a kid got out of a dark place because of my story, that’s worth more than I could ever do in the ring.”
    Garcia has two lions tattooed on his chest, with the first completed in January 2021Credit: Instagram @kingry
    His stunning collection of supercars features a Lamborgini and Audi RSCredit: Instagram @kingry
    The lightweight star has also been snapped with his FerarriCredit: Instagram @kingry
    Garcia is proud of his Mexican heritage and Canelo Alvarez is a big fanCredit: Instagram @kingry
    He provides regular updates on his Instagram ahead of fight nightCredit: Instagram @kingry
    His luxurious Lamborghini Urus packs a punch with 641bhpCredit: Instagram @kingry More

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    Conor Benn vs Chris Eubank Jr LIVE UPDATES: Fight OFF after Hearn’s late bid to move venue, Eubank Jr goads opponent

    CHRIS EUBANK JR’s and Conor Benn’s massive clash is OFF and the whole circus has descended into a farce.Eddie Hearn tried a last-minute scramble to get the fight moved to Luxembourg or Malta, but there was no way he could make it happen.
    The British Boxing board of Control ‘prohibited’ the fight after Benn’s failed drugs test, however promoter Eddie Hearn fought for the bout to go ahead.
    But now the fight is now OFF, Hearn has confirmed.
    We’ll be bringing you all of the latest updates as they unfold here.

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    Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
    ‘It would have been a travesty’
    Legendary sports writer and SunSport’s voice of boxing Colin Hart has had his say on the abandoned Benn v Eubank fight – and he’s relieved it is not going ahead.
    Hart said: “Mercifully, Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr will not now be battling it out tomorrow.
    “Boxing can heave a huge sign of relief it’s not facing the possibility of a catchweight catastrophe.
    “I regard it as a blessing in disguise.
    “Despite the obvious box-office appeal, I felt it had no validity and was a highly-dangerous enterprise considering the huge difference in size between the two men.
    “If the weight controversy wasn’t serious enough, Conor being allowed to carry on after failing a dope test would have been a travesty.”
    Read Colin Hart’s full punchy column on the incredible Benn Eubank events here.
    ‘No Words’
    Chris Eubank Jr spent much of yesterday afternoon taking jabs at Conor Benn over Twitter after their fight was officially called off.
    The pair were set to go head-to-head at the O2 on Saturday night in a highly-anticipated bout before Benn failed his VADA drug test.
    A furious Eubank Jr last night posted this video of Conor Benn speaking to Sky Sports.

    Dave Kidd: Hearn an artist of hypocrisy and contradiction
    There is one man in boxing who never takes it on the chin – and that is Eddie Hearn.
    Even after his fighter, Conor Benn, failed a drug test and caused the postponement of tomorrow’s scrap with Chris Eubank Jr, the promoter had the barefaced cheek to point the finger of blame at the British Boxing Board of Control.
    Even by boxing’s snake-belly standards, this was low.
    News of Benn testing positive for Clomifene – a drug which boosts testosterone – emerged on Wednesday, swiftly followed by the BBBofC announcing their refusal to sanction the fight.
    Yet it was not until after 27 hours of furious wriggling that Hearn, and Eubank Jr’s promoter Kalle Sauerland, finally threw in the towel and called off the whole farce.
    That came in a statement which claimed the Board of Control’s actions were ‘procedurally flawed and without due process’.
    Hearn claimed there would be ‘no further statement’. Then staged a press conference. Then refused to take any questions.
    Then blamed the media for reporting what he had told them the previous day – that he would seek an injunction against the Board and approach foreign commissions to preside over the fight.
    This is a sport which operates like the Wild West, but where the outlaws seem genuinely stunned when the Sheriff dares to flex his muscles.
    Read the rest of Dave Kidd’s brilliant column…
    Hearn points the finger
    Incredibly, Hearn has blamed the BBBofC for him having to cancel the whole show, including the undercard, writes WALLY DOWNES JR.
    Exclusive broadcasters DAZN will have suffered a huge financial blow.
    The undercard fighters did not get as far as the Friday weigh-in, which usually triggers guaranteed payment.
    But Matchroom boss Hearn will be under pressure to compensate them.
    Benn failed a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) test.
    But he has not been suspended as that is decided by the UK Anti-Doping body (UKAD). They have requested access to the samples.
    I will make Eu pay
    Chris Eubank Jr promised Conor Benn he will punish him for wrecking their £25million fight by failing a drug test.
    Benn tested positive for traces of Clomifene, which can boost testosterone, and the British Boxing Board of Control refused to sanction the showdown.
    Promoter Eddie Hearn tried to overturn the BBBofC’s decision but was forced to eventually cancel under mounting public pressure.
    Gutted Eubank Jr, 33, who still wanted to fight Benn, said: “Conor got caught using an illegal substance so the fight is off.
    “Can’t believe it. He has escaped his schooling for now.
    “I really apologise to the fans and everyone that bought tickets, travelled and booked hotels, this should not have happened.”

    Good morning boxing fans
    Chris Eubank Jr was forced to take a drugs test just hours after his fight with Conor Benn was POSTPONED due to his rival’s failed doping sample.
    Saturday’s showdown was postponed after Benn failed a drugs test, with traces of clomifene discovered in his system.
    Clomifene is commonly used as medication to treat infertility in women who do not ovulate, but it can also increase testosterone levels in men, which is why it is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
    As a result, the British Boxing Board of Control pulled the plug and refused to sanction the bout.
    Benn has insisted he is a “clean athlete” despite the failed drugs test.
    Rival Eubank Jr has also been subject to further testing.
    The 33-year-old was greeted by a random drugs test at his hotel room despite the O2 scrap being postponed.
    He said on Twitter: “Just got back to my hotel room to be greeted by another random drugs test… which as always I’m happy to take.
    “10 years & never failed one #CleanAthlete.”
    A picture of samples being collected accompanied the tweet.
    Eubank Jr has also apologised to his fans who had bought tickets and spent money to travel to the event.
    He tweeted: “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, travelled & booked hotels, this should not of happened.
    “He has escaped his schooling… for now.”
    Matchroom issued the following statement: “After discussions with various parties, we have taken the decision to formally postpone the bout between Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn.
    “It is undeniable that the British Boxing Board of Control’s decision to withdraw their sanctioning was procedurally flawed and without due process.
    “That remains a legal issue between the promoters and the Board which we intend to pursue.
    “However, whilst there are legal routes to facilitate the fight taking place as planned, we do not believe that the fight is in the fighters’ interests.”
    Eubank calls on Jake Paul
    Chris Eubank Jr. has challenged Jake Paul to replace Conor Benn after their grudge match was axed.
    The boxing showdown was thrown into doubt on Wednesday as Benn failed a drugs test and so the British Boxing Board of Control pulled the plug and refused to sanction the bout.
    The boxers’ promoters, including Eddie Hearn, worked desperately to get the catchweight 157lb match back on.
    But a decision has been made that the bout is not going ahead after all, with SunSport understanding talks will be held to get it rearranged.
    YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul addressed the ongoing “fiasco” on social media and took a swipe at Hearn.
    The Problem Child tweeted: “I can’t wait to see all of the texts and emails between Eddie Hearn and all the parties involved in this fiasco.”
    Eubank caught wind of Paul’s quip and offered to book him a flight to London for an impromptu match.
    The British star challenged him to replace Benn after he “fumbled AND crumbled under the pressure”.
    Eubank tweeted: “How about I get you a jet to the U.K tomorrow & we scrap at the o2 on Saturday for the fans that are now missing out because Conor Benn fumbled AND crumbled under the pressure. You come in as heavy as you want.”
    Paul, who is set to fight UFC legend Anderson Silva later this month, is yet to respond to the offer.
    Amid the fall out from his cancelled bout, Eubank slammed rival Benn after a late bid to rescue the fight had failed.
    Next Gen also apologised to fans who had already booked tickets and made travel arrangements.
    Eubank tweeted: “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.”
    Eubank also shared a clip of Benn speaking in 2019 about Jarrell Miller failing a drugs test that saw his world title fight against Anthony Joshua cancelled.
    Benn said that his “nutritionist has a go at me for taking vitamin C tablets”.
    Hearn: Tickets will be refunded
    Eddie Hearn has apologised to fans, and assured them that tickets for Saturday night’s postponed fight will be refunded at the first opportunity.
    At a brief press conference this afternoon, the promoter said: “Tickets will be available for customers to refund immediately from the O2 Arena or point of purchase.
    “We will be back in touch with the media and public soon in terms of a new schedule date for this fight.
    ‘We apologise that we weren’t able to bring you this great fight on DAZN but I hope you feel that the correct action has been taken.”
    Benn: I’m shocked and surprised
    Conor Benn has released a short statement via social media admitting he is ‘shocked and surprised’ by findings showing that he had tested traces of a prohibited substance.
    While confirming his priority is proving he is a clean fighter, Benn also said that he and his team were considering all options including the possible rescheduling of a bout with Chris Eubank Jr.
    The 26-year-old also apologised to all those affected by the decision to postpone Saturday’s fight at short notice.
    Credit: @ConorNigel Twitter
    Smith favourite to fight Eubank
    Chris Eubank Jr’s next fight will now be against Callum Smith, according to the bookmakers.
    The 32-year-old scouser is the 6/4 favourite with Betfair to be Eubank’s next opponent following the collapse of his bout with Conor Benn.
    However, there are hopes that the contest with Benn can be resurrected with the WBA Continental welterweight champion a 3/1 shot.

    Callum Smith 6/4
    Conor Benn 3/1
    Kell Brook 5/1
    Gennedy Golovkin 7/1
    Canelo Alvarez 20/1
    Billy Joe Saunders 33/1

    Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom said: “Following the late cancellation of his eagerly-awaited bout against Conor Benn, Chris Eubank Jr now finds himself without an opponent and Callum Smith is the 6/4 favourite to fill the gap and be his next challenger.
    “Kell Brook coming out of retirement for an all-British clash as Eubank’s next opponent is 5/1, while Eubank seeking a huge international fight against Golovkin is 7/1, and a shot to win four titles against Alvarez next is 20/1.”
    Rearranged fight date
    Promoter Eddie Hearn has stressed that this is a fight postponement, not a cancellation.
    A new date is yet to be announced and a full investigation is taking place.
    Chris Eubank Jr breaks silence
    Chris Eubank Jr has broken his silence after the fight was officially called off.
    Says he still can’t believe it.

    Felix Cash offers Eubank fight
    Undercard fighter Felix Cash was offered Chris Eubank Jr a fight still on Saturday night.
    Cash is from the same stable as Conor Benn.

    Hearn on fight postponement
    So there you have it, the fight has been postponed.
    But not without a fight from promoter Eddie Hearn.
    And he’s released some scathing words on the British Boxing Board of Control in the official statement.
    Eddie Hearn statement
    Eddie Hearn has released a statement now confirming the fight will be postponed.
    And he has called the BBBofC’s decision “flawed and without due process”.

    Undercard OFF
    The full undercard has now been cancelled too.
    News breaking at pace here.
    Official UKAD statement
    UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) Chief Executive, Jane Rumble said: “UKAD notes the reporting of a failed VADA test by the boxer Conor Benn with concern.
    “UKAD acts on all reports of doping and always encourages anyone with information on suspected doping activity to come forward and share that with us.”
    Conor Benn leaves hotel
    Conor Benn has left the hotel in London.
    His training partner Felix Cash, who is set to fight on the undercard, has just checked out of his hotel with all his bags.
    So has Benn’s coach Dan Lawrence.
    Eddie Hearn statement
    It is believed Eddie Hearn is putting together a statement on the cancellation now.
    Why has the fight been cancelled?
    Just two days before the weigh-in it emerged Benn had failed a pre-fight drug test, which SunSport understands was taken on September 23.
    He returned an adverse finding for clomifene, which is commonly used as medication to treat infertility in women who do not ovulate.
    But it can also increase testosterone levels in men, which is why it is on the World Anti-Doping Agency banned list.
    SunSport also understands there could be an issue with a second test VADA took as part of the WBC’s Clean Boxing Program — but promoters Matchroom refused to comment.
    Credit: PA
    Ticket refunds
    There has been no official statement regarding refunds yet.
    However, when Leigh Wood’s bout with Mauricio Lara in Nottingham was ditched last month, fans had the option of claiming a refund or using their tickets to watch the undercard.
    Benn’s team leave hotel
    Conor Benn’s training partner Felix Cash, who is set to fight on the undercard, has just checked out of his hotel with all his bags.
    So has Benn’s coach Dan Lawrence.
    Fight to be rearranged
    SunSport understands that talks will be held to to get Eubank vs Benn rearranged.
    Hearn’s appeal did not reach the High Court, with an agreement made to cancel the fight before that – there simply was not enough time to find a solution.
    And the fighters would have been guaranteed their purses should the weigh-ins, due for Friday, get completed.
    Official – fight is OFF
    Conor Benn’s fight with Chris Eubank Jr is definitely OFF after Eddie Hearn’s last-ditch bid to rescue it failed.
    Saturday’s showdown was thrown into doubt yesterday when Benn failed a drugs test.
    The British Boxing Board of Control pulled the plug and refused to sanction the bout.
    However, both fighters were said to still be happy to lace up the gloves.
    The boxers’ promoters, including Eddie Hearn, worked desperately to get the catchweight 157lb fight back on – which was scheduled to be shown live on DAZN.
    But now the decision has been made that the fight is NOT going ahead after all – with SunSport understanding talks will be held to to get it rearranged.
    Eubank Jr vs Benn OFF
    The fight between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn is OFF.
    More to follow.
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