Conor Benn has taken to social media to apologise after his fight with Chris Eubank Jr was postponed.
News broke on Wednesday that the 26-year-old had tested positive for the banned substance clomifene from a Voluntary Anti-Doping test in August.
Both fighters were happy for it to still take place at The O2 Arena on Saturday, but the British Boxing Board of Control announced they would prohibit it from going ahead.
Some 11th hour wrangling made no difference with an official announcement saying the bout was off made on Thursday afternoon.
Benn has since taken to social media to shed further light on the situation and apologise to all.
” 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,” he said in a statement.
“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!”
A press confernece has since taken place on Thursday from Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and Sauerland’s Wasserman Boxing.
“Very sorry for the delay, I was very tempted to step out of the back door for a beer but I wanted to come and see you guys,” Hearn said.
Hearn continued: “It has been a very difficult day, 24/48 hours, we were looking forward to an event which has really captured the imagination of the British public.
“A fight that had so much history, myself and Kalle [Sauerland] were so excited for it.
“But we wanted to come here and say that Chris Eubank JR vs Conor Benn has officially been postponed.
“I want to make it clear that Conor Benn is not suspended by the British Boxing Border Control.
“We do believe he has not been given due process like many others in this situation before him.
“I also want to clear up so many different reports from journalists and outlets about us being in the high court this afternoon, us considering other commissions – it is just not true.
“We took a decision which believe is in the best interests of Wasserman Boxing and the parties involved.
“This is a sport which is very dear to us, a sport we have been around our entire life, and while we were desperate for this fight to take place for the fans, the undercard fighters, we also made a decision we felt we had to at this time.
“Especially for the interest of the sport and British public, as well,” Hearn added.
OFFER OF THE DAY
BetVictor: Pick your winner, Arsenal OR Liverpool at an enhanced 50/1!* – CLAIM HERE
18+ New customers only. Opt in and bet max £1 on Arsenal OR Opt in and bet max £1 on Liverpool- Match Betting – 90 mins; No cash out. Enhanced odds paid in Free Bets. Free Bets expire in 7 days. Offer valid from 10:00 UK time 06.10.22 until 16:30 UK time 09.10.22. Card payments only. T&Cs apply, see below. begambleaware.org | Please Gamble Responsibly
News Summary:
- ‘I am truly gutted’ – Conor Benn posts statement after his failed drugs test sees Chris Eubank Jr fight postponed
- Check all news and articles from the latest Boxing updates.