Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn has been sensationally cancelled following Benn's positive test for clomifene.
The fight had stirred considerable hype and expectation as the pair were set to finally meet and reinvent the Eubank-Benn rivalry made famous by their fathers [Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn] in the 1990s, but now the fight has been scrapped after Benn tested positive for a banned substance.
Earlier this week, the fight looked to be on ice after Benn tested positive for clomifene, a substance used to treat infertility in women which can also boost testosterone production in men.
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And the £15m fight as well as its undercard is now off the table following a statement confirming the inevitable.
It read: "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.
"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."
Chris Eubank Jr did have a comment to make following the confirmation of the cancellation of the fight.
Taking to Twitter, he said: "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 [sic] happened.
"He has escaped his schooling… for now."
Benn's failed test was carried out by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) in August, with the figther since returning a negative test.
Despite the VADA test failure, Benn was not charged with any rule violation as he had passed all doping control tests conducted by the UK Anti-Doping.
He proclaimed his innocence following the news.
He said: "I've spoken to Chris personally and we both want the fight to go ahead.
"We've both taken legal and medical advice and we want the fight to happen for the fans."
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