Chris Eubank Jr vows to PUNISH Conor Benn for doping KO with pair still keen to reschedule £25m blockbuster
CHRIS EUBANK JR promised Conor Benn he will punish him for wrecking tomorrow’s £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.”
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The sons of ring legends Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn were due to clash in a 157lbs catchweight bout at London’s O2.
Benn, 26, apologised for the cancelled fight and vowed to clear his name.
Shocked Benn tweeted: “I am truly gutted and sorry to everyone.
“I am still completely shocked and surprised by this and it has been a tough couple of days.
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“My team and I will consider the next options, including rescheduling the fight, but my immediate focus is on clearing my name because I am a clean athlete!”
Former two-weight world champion Carl Frampton waded in with a stinging verdict.
The Northern Ireland star said: “Eubank Jr was boiling down to a weight he hasn’t been close to in years, with a contracted rehydration clause against a fighter that tested positive for a PED (performance enhancing drug).
“Yet people still tried to make it happen. Let that sink in.”
Incredibly, Hearn has blamed the BBBofC for him having to cancel the whole show, including the undercard.
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.
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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.