Conor Benn tests positive for a banned substance

Conor Benn tested positive for a banned substance ahead of his fight against Chris Eubank Jr.

One of the most intriguing matchups this year just got even more interesting. On Saturday, middleweight contender Chris Eubank Jr. (32-2) is scheduled to face welterweight Conor Benn (21-0) at a catchweight of 157 pounds. The event titled “Born Rivals” is fitting given that both of the fighter’s fathers had a bitter rival that looks to be still active even today.

News broke out late last night/early morning here in the states that Conor Benn tested positive for a banned substance during a random test conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA). The test reflected an adverse finding for clomifene, a banned substance on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) list. Clomifene is commonly used to treat infertility, so there are questions to be answered regarding what was used to receive that adverse result.

Matchroom Sports, who is hosting the event, released the following statement in an email to the media “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.”

Chris Eubank Jr. faces Conor Benn this Saturday live on DAZN

“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.”

As of now, the fight week activities will proceed, and Eubank Jr. has indicated he will move forward with the fight. This can change at a moment’s notice, but we still have a fight for now, and the intrigue level has risen even more in light of the recent news. The next stop on the intrigue train will be the weigh-in, as Eubank Jr. has to come in at 157 pounds and has a rehydration clause.