Drugs

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 were discovered in his system.
Chris Eubank Jr was subject to drugs testing in his hotel roomCredit: Twitter
Eubank Jr apologised to fans who bought tickets for the highly anticipated fightCredit: Alamy
Conor Benn says he’s a ‘clean athlete’Credit: Alamy
Benn was found with traces of clomifene in his systemCredit: Getty
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.
Now rival Eubank Jr has also been subject to further testing, even after the fight was canned.
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The 33-year-old was greeted by a random drugs test at his hotel room on the day the O2 scrap was 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.
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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, traveled & 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 it is in the fighters’ interests for those to be pursued at such a late stage, or in the wider interests of the sport.
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“As promoters, we take our obligations and duties very seriously, and a full investigation will now need to take place.
“We will be making no further comment at this time and news for ticket holder refunds will follow.” More

A VIDEO of Eddie Hearn criticising boxers failing drug tests and being allowed to fight has gone viral as the promoter attempted to rescue the bout between Conor Benn and Chris Eubank.The two Brit boxers were set for a huge showdown at the O2 on Saturday – before the fight was officially cancelled this afternoon.
Eddie Hearn appeared to take a different stance on boxers and failed drug tests when this issue cropped up previouslyCredit: Twitter
It was unclear if the match-up would go ahead after Benn failed a drug test.
The 26-year-old tested positive for clomifene, which increases testosterone levels in men.
The British Boxing Board of Control stepped in yesterday and ruled the scrap is “prohibited”, but Benn’s promoter Hearn had been attempting to revive the fight.
A video went viral on social media showing Hearn hitting out at boxers who fail drug tests but continue to try and fight.
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Referring to Billy Joe Saunders failing a drug test previously, Hearn says in an interview: “What is the point in signing up for drug testing if, when you fail, everyone goes ‘well don’t worry about it, just let him fight.’
“You’ve signed drug testing with VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Association), the best testing agency, in my opinion, in the sport.”
Tweeters were unsympathetic to Hearn’s comments potentially coming back to bite him.
One said: “The man talks too much. This was always going to happen to him at some stage.
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Another said: “Could make a Netflix show about Eddie contradicting himself, depending on if its his fighter or not.”
Since the news broke yesterday, the promoter had been frantically trying to revive the fight before today’s confirmation that it was off.
It appeared that at one stage Hearn was considering three foreign licenses to get the show officiated at the O2.
But earlier today the Matchroom boss tweeted: “Let’s see what today brings but to make one thing clear, I will not be promoting this fight with a foreign commission or alternative governing body on Saturday night.”
Hearn then abandoned his rescue bid earlier this afternoon. More

JOHNNY NELSON admitted fear for Chris Eubank Jr’s life and said his fight with Conor Benn CANNOT go ahead after failing a drugs test. Benn tested positive for a testosterone booster, which led to the British Boxing Board of Control refusing to license the bout.
Johnny Nelson called for Chris Eubank Jr’s fight with Conor Benn to be cancelled
But there were fears organisers could turn to a different body to sanction and revive the fight.
Benn did past all UK Anti Doping tests, which the BBBoC are governed by, meaning he does not face a suspension.
It was in Voluntary Anti-Doping Association tests that he returned an adverse finding for clomifene, which is commonly used as medication to treat infertility in women who do not ovulate.
Former world champion Nelson questioned why the fight promoters are willing to ignore VADA’s test and the BBBoC’s decision.
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He told talkSPORT: “I’m an ex-fighter, you ask me my opinion and it’s this: What is the point in having a drug test if you’re going to ignore the results?
“Boxing is the only place you can legally get killed. People are paying to watch this fight, it’s one man hitting another.
“Especially in this situation where a guy is coming down in weight, father is saying ‘don’t do it’, he’s saying he can do it.
“A fighter is coming up in weight. You’ve seen a drug that will help mask other drugs. That’s what that drug does as well.
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“The BBBoC cannot U-turn because it will undermine them and it will set a precedent for this happening again.”
He continued: “But the worst case scenario, and you’re not saying it will happen, you’re saying it can happen. It’s somebody’s life at stake.
“And therefore, say for instance, Conor really hurts Chris. Does he then legally get done for assault?
“If he killed him, he’d get done for murder. There’s a case, there’s an argument there.
“Because a drug has been found in his system. I love both of these guys, but something is not right.”
Hearn met with the BBBofC on Thursday morning and has threatened them with an injunction if they commit to their banning of the bout, under their banner.
And in an update, he tweeted: “Let’s see what today brings but to make one thing clear, I will not be promoting this fight with a foreign commission or alternative governing body on Saturday night.”
Conor Benn failed a VADA test
Chris Eubank Jr is still ready to fight Conor BennCredit: Alamy More

CHRIS EUBANK JR has claimed he did NOT receive a phone call from Conor Benn following his positive drugs test.The pair, whose fathers had two wars in the 1990s, are in danger of not fighting this Saturday after the British Boxing Board of Control called it off.
Chris Eubank Jr confirmed was still happy to fight Conor Benn on SaturdayCredit: Getty
The Destroyer returned an adverse finding for the banned substance clomifeneCredit: PA
Eubank claimed on Wednesday afternoon that Benn did not call him
The sold-out O2 and pay-per-view fight bout was dramatically thrown into doubt after it emerged that Benn, 25, had returned an adverse finding in his pre-fight drug test.
But it was then confirmed that both fighters were happy for the fight to go ahead, with Benn claiming he had called Eubank Jr to talk things out.
However, Eubank Jr has now denied a call ever took place.
He told Matchroom Boxing: “There was no phone call. We haven’t spoken since this was announced.
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“It’s a shame. But my promoters, his promoters, the boxing board of control, they’re going to sort it out.
“I’m ready, I’m clean, I’m 60 per cent. I’ve been tested my entire career for the last 10 years. I’ve been tested more than I’ve ever been tested for a fight during this training camp.
“I have an app on my phone where I have to designate where I’m going to be every single day and I’ve been on that app for my entire career and I will be on it for the rest of my career.
“They can come and test me for blood and urine unannounced whenever they see fit and I’ve never failed a test. I’ve even been tested on holiday.
“I don’t condone failed tests.”

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Eubank then went on to insist he remains focused on beating Benn this Saturday night, albeit with some reservations in the back of his head given the failed test.
He continued: “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, 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 hands of promoters, governing bodies to make this fight happen. All I can do is be ready.
“Of course there are concerns, 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.”
Benn was told he had returned an adverse finding for the banned substance clomifene.
The substance, which is usually used to treat infertility in women but can increase testosterone in men, is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Benn responded to the findings by telling 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.
Eubank Jr turned up for the public workout on Wednesday afternoonCredit: Getty
“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.
“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.”
Eubank Jr’s promoter Kalle Sauerland confirmed the star was still happy to fight – with the boxer then sharing a statement from Matchroom alongside a facepalm emoji.
Sauerland told TalkSPORT: “There has been a trace finding of a female fertility drug in a VADA test, which is seaware from the UKAD scheme.
“At the end of August and the start of September, when this test was done and it was relayed to us when the result came back.
“The board follows UKAD rules and the UKAD tests were negative. We took medical advice and although it is not a PED it can raise testosterone levels.

🥊Eubank Jr vs Benn: Ring walk time, live stream, TV channel and undercard info for London super-fight
“We discussed this with Chris and he was happy to continue and he spoke to Benn directly. They had a personal discussion and it’s a personal matter for Benn.”
Sauerland added: “I can confirm we and Chris want the bout to happen.
“There was a trace finding, the key is the UKAD findings and medical advice. The medical advice is the be-all-and-end-all.
“The instant reaction is FIGHT OFF but then you look into what it is.
“You have to look at the scenario around it and the fact the other tests were not positive.”
Matchroom promoter Hearn also released a statement confirming that the fight would still take place.
He said: “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.
WHAT IS CLOMIFENE?Clomifene is a banned substance which is known to increase testosterone levels in men.
It is usually prescribed to women to help with pregnancy if they are not ovulating properly.
The anti-oestrogen medication comes in pill form and is also known as Clomid and Clomiphene.
Studies have previously shown that when used in men, low doses can elevate serum testosterone levels.
It works by stimulating the body’s own production of testosterone and is known to provide similar results to injection or pellet testosterone therapy.
It can, and has, been misused by athletes in the past as it boosts performance and can counter the side effects of anabolic steroid use.
Taking clomifene boosts androgen levels indirectly – these are the male hormones that play a big role in muscle mass and strength.
What are the side effects?
Most medications can cause side effects with one in 10 people experiencing feeling flushed, sick and experiencing headaches.
Other symptoms include breast discomfort, weight gain and abdominal or pelvic pain.

“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.”
However, the BBBoC stepped in and declared the scrap is prohibited under their sanctioning, despite BOTH fighters wanting to continue with the bout.
A BBBoC statement read: “On the evening of 4th October 2022, the Board of the British Boxing Board of Control Limited resolved that the contest between Chris Eubank Jnr. and Conor Benn scheduled to take place on 8th October 2022 is prohibited as it is not in the interests of Boxing.”
Eubank Jr, 32, was preparing to fight at a career-lowest catchweight of 157lb, following stints at 160lb at middleweight and even 168lb.
And anticipation was building on whether he would make the contracted limit, following posts dining out on fast food and puddings.
Benn was also preparing to fight 10lb above any of his 21 prior wins in the ring.
Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank had two epic wars in the 1990sCredit: Getty
Their two sons were due collide at The O2 on Saturday 30 years laterCredit: PA More

CONOR BENN has broken silence on his failed drug test, declaring “I’m a clean athlete” after his fight with Chris Eubank Jr was cancelled.Saturday’s fight for the ages has been scrapped by the board after Benn was found to have traces of a female fertility drug in his system.
Benn declared he’s a clean athleteCredit: Reuters
Benn was found to have traces of a female fertility drug in his systemCredit: Reuters
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.
The BBBoC stepped in and declared the scrap is prohibited under their sanctioning, despite BOTH fighters wanting to continue with the bout.
Benn, who was taking part in an open workout on Wednesday, addressed the findings and declared “I’m a clean athlete”.
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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.
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“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.
“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.”
Eubank Jr ‘believes’ Benn
Benn says his rival Eubank Jr “fully believes” in him, as it’s “not who I am, [and] not what I’m about”.
The 26-year-old continued: “He fully believes, you know, he believes in me.
“And, you know, It’s not who I am, [and] It’s not what I’m about.
“I’m a professional athlete and, you know, he was understanding.”

🥊Eubank Jr vs Benn: Ring walk time, live stream, TV channel and undercard info for London super-fight
Both Benn’s promoter Hearn and Eubank Jr’s in Kalle Sauerland said the fight will still go ahead.
Hearn said Benn passed tests undertaken by UK Anti-Doping, meaning he will not face a suspension by the BBBoC.
He said: “Conor Benn is not suspended by the British Boxing Board of Control, ultimately he can’t be, because he passed all the tests from UKAD.
“But clearly the British Boxing Board of Control will take a position on it, we’ll deal with the lawyers.”
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According to ESPN, Hearn is attempting to obtain a court injunction to allow the fight to go ahead.
The catchweight clash of 157lb was set to take place almost 30 years after their dads’ famous rematch, which ended a draw.
Benn says rival Eubank Jr ‘believes’ himCredit: Reuters More

CHRIS EUBANK JR’S clash with Conor Benn has been called off by British Boxing Board of Control.The two stars, whose fathers had two wars in the 1990s, were due to continue the family feud in a 157lb catchweight clash on Saturday.
Conor Benn returned an adverse finding for the banned substance clomifeneCredit: Reuters
Eddie Hearn says the Destroyer’s fight with Chris Eubank Jr’s fight is offCredit: Getty
But the sold out O2 and pay-per-view fight bout was dramatically cancelled just days before the bell was due to sound.
The British Boxing Board of Control has stepped in and ruled the scrap is ‘Prohibited” despite BOTH fighters wanting to continue with the bout.
A BBBoC statement read: “On the evening of 4th October 2022, the Board of the British Boxing Board of Control Limited resolved that the contest between Chris Eubank Jnr. and Conor Benn scheduled to take place on 8th October 2022 is prohibited as it is not in the interests of Boxing.”
It emerged earlier that Benn, 25, had returned an adverse finding in his pre-fight drug test.
Benn was told he had returned an adverse finding for the banned substance clomifene.
The substance, which is usually used to treat infertility in women but can increase testosterone in men, is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
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However, Matchroom promoter Hearn released a statement confirming that the fight would still take place.
He released a statement which 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.
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“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.”
Eubank Jr’s promoter Kalle Sauerland told TalkSPORT: “There has been a trace finding of a female fertility drug in a VADA test, which is seaware from the UKAD scheme.
“At the end of August and the start of September, when this test was done and it was relayed to us when the result came back.
“The board follows UKAD rules and the UKAD tests were negative.
“We took medical advice and although it is not a PED it can raise testosterone levels.
“We discussed this with Chris and he was happy to continue and he spoke to Benn directly. They had a personal discussion and it’s a personal matter for Benn.”
Sauerland added: “I can confirm we and Chris want the bout to happen.
Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn had two wars in the 1990sCredit: Getty

🥊Eubank Jr vs Benn: Ring walk time, live stream, TV channel and undercard info for London super-fight
“There was a trace finding, the key is the UKAD findings and medical advice. The medical advice is the be-all-and-end-all.
“The instant reaction is FIGHT OFF but then you look into what it is.
“You have to look at the scenario around it and the fact the other tests were not positive.”
However, the BBBoC took events out of their hands by banning the fight.
Eubank Jr, 32, was preparing to fight at a career-lowest weight, following stints at 160lb at middleweight and even 168lb.
Benn was also preparing to fight 10lb above any of his 21 prior wins in the ring.
WHAT IS CLOMIFENE?Clomifene is a banned substance which is known to increase testosterone levels in men.
It is usually prescribed to women to help with pregnancy if they are not ovulating properly.
The anti-oestrogen medication comes in pill form and is also known as Clomid and Clomiphene.
Studies have previously shown that when used in men, low doses can elevate serum testosterone levels.
It works by stimulating the body’s own production of testosterone and is known to provide similar results to injection or pellet testosterone therapy.
It can, and has, been misused by athletes in the past as it boosts performance and can counter the side effects of anabolic steroid use.
Taking clomifene boosts androgen levels indirectly – these are the male hormones that play a big role in muscle mass and strength.
What are the side effects?
Most medications can cause side effects with one in 10 people experiencing feeling flushed, sick and experiencing headaches.
Other symptoms include breast discomfort, weight gain and abdominal or pelvic pain.

Hearn has now launched an appeal against the decision, and said:
“Technically Conor is not suspended so he is clear to fight but the board won’t sanction it.
“They can’t suspend him because he has passed all his UKAD tests, they cannot suspend Conor Benn so he should be free to fight on Saturday.
“There will be no hearing as the board does not recognise VADA so can we reschedule for three or four weeks?
“We need to get in a room and be sensible and see what the situation is.”
He added: “ith all the controversy around the catchweight and the comments around it, I think it has influenced their decision.
“They will not suspend him so he should be able to fight. An injunction is something that could be done. 
“Our advice has been that we would be successful with one but it’s not something we want to do.
“We could go with another board or commission but I respect the BBBofC.
“We just need to know if Conor is clear to fight or not. and they don’t seem to know the answer.” More