Chris Eubank Jr.-Conor Benn fight postponed in wake of Benn’s failed drug test

The Chris Eubank Jr.-Conor Benn fight, scheduled for Saturday in London, has been postponed in the wake of Benn’s failed drug test.

The fight between Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr. is off … for now.

Promoters on Thursday postponed the event, scheduled for Saturday in London, in the wake of Benn’s failed test for a banned fertility drug that can boost testosterone.

No new target date has been announced.

The British Boxing Board of Control, which oversees the sport in the U.K., refused to sanction the bout after the positive test. Promoters had said indicated they might seek an outside body to sanction the bout but decided against that.

“After discussions with various parties, we have taken the decision to formally postpone the bout between Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn,” Matchroom Boxing announced.

The promoter went on: “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.”

Eddie Hearn, chairman of Matchroom, had said Thursday that promoters would not try to find an outside organization to sanction the fight.

“It’s been done before and it’s ot something Ive looked at before or something I necessarily agree with,” Hearn said. “This is not a situation where we want to run rogue and come up with an alternative plan.”

Hearn reportedly also considered seeking an injunction to save the fight but also decided against that.

“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 interest of the sport. …

“As promoters we take our obligations and duties very seriously, and a full investigation will now need to take place.”

Eubank’s promoter, Kalle Sauerland, said Wednesday that Eubank and Benn learned of Benn’s positive test weeks before the event was due to take place, according to the BBC. Eubank still wanted to fight.

“We discussed it straight away with the most important person from our side, the athlete. He was happy to continue and spoke to Benn directly,” Sauerland said.

Meanwhile, Benn said that he’s “a clean athlete.”

“I’ve not committed any violations, I’ve not been suspended, so as far as I’m concerned the fight is still going ahead,” he said to members of the media after a workout Wednesday. “I’ve signed up to every voluntary anti-doping test under the sun, throughout my whole career I’m tested, I’ve always come back negative, I’ve never had any issues before.

“My team will find out why there has been an initial adverse finding in my test, but as far as I’m concerned the fight is going ahead. I’m a clean athlete and we’ll get to the bottom of this.”

He went on: “We both (Benn and Eubank) want the fight to go ahead. We’ve both taken medical and legal advice and we both want the fight to happen for the fans. He fully believes, he believes in me, and it’s not who I am, or what I’m about. I’m a pro athlete and he was understanding.”

Benn tested positive for Clomifene, a fertility drug for women that reportedly can increase testosterone levels in men.

He was tested by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association, which doesn’t work directly with the BBBofC. That’s one reason Hearn believes the governing body had no right to prohibit the fight.

However, UK Anti-Doping Chief Executive Jane Rumble said her organization recognizes all legitimate drug testing.

“UKAD notes the reporting of a failed VADA test by the boxers Conor Benn with concern. … UKAD acts on all reports of doping and always encourages anyone with information on suspected doping activity to come forward and share that with us.”

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Chris Eubank Jr.-Conor Benn fight postponed in wake of Benn’s failed drug test

The Chris Eubank Jr.-Conor Benn fight, scheduled for Saturday in London, has been postponed in the wake of Benn’s failed drug test.

The fight between Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr. is off … for now.

Promoters on Thursday postponed the event, scheduled for Saturday in London, in the wake of Benn’s failed test for a banned fertility drug that can boost testosterone.

No new target date has been announced.

The British Boxing Board of Control, which oversees the sport in the U.K., refused to sanction the bout after the positive test. Promoters had said indicated they might seek an outside body to sanction the bout but decided against that.

“After discussions with various parties, we have taken the decision to formally postpone the bout between Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn,” Matchroom Boxing announced.

The promoter went on: “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.”

Eddie Hearn, chairman of Matchroom, had said Thursday that promoters would not try to find an outside organization to sanction the fight.

“It’s been done before and it’s ot something Ive looked at before or something I necessarily agree with,” Hearn said. “This is not a situation where we want to run rogue and come up with an alternative plan.”

Hearn reportedly also considered seeking an injunction to save the fight but also decided against that.

“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 interest of the sport. …

“As promoters we take our obligations and duties very seriously, and a full investigation will now need to take place.”

Eubank’s promoter, Kalle Sauerland, said Wednesday that Eubank and Benn learned of Benn’s positive test weeks before the event was due to take place, according to the BBC. Eubank still wanted to fight.

“We discussed it straight away with the most important person from our side, the athlete. He was happy to continue and spoke to Benn directly,” Sauerland said.

Meanwhile, Benn said that he’s “a clean athlete.”

“I’ve not committed any violations, I’ve not been suspended, so as far as I’m concerned the fight is still going ahead,” he said to members of the media after a workout Wednesday. “I’ve signed up to every voluntary anti-doping test under the sun, throughout my whole career I’m tested, I’ve always come back negative, I’ve never had any issues before.

“My team will find out why there has been an initial adverse finding in my test, but as far as I’m concerned the fight is going ahead. I’m a clean athlete and we’ll get to the bottom of this.”

He went on: “We both (Benn and Eubank) want the fight to go ahead. We’ve both taken medical and legal advice and we both want the fight to happen for the fans. He fully believes, he believes in me, and it’s not who I am, or what I’m about. I’m a pro athlete and he was understanding.”

Benn tested positive for Clomifene, a fertility drug for women that reportedly can increase testosterone levels in men.

He was tested by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association, which doesn’t work directly with the BBBofC. That’s one reason Hearn believes the governing body had no right to prohibit the fight.

However, UK Anti-Doping Chief Executive Jane Rumble said her organization recognizes all legitimate drug testing.

“UKAD notes the reporting of a failed VADA test by the boxers Conor Benn with concern. … UKAD acts on all reports of doping and always encourages anyone with information on suspected doping activity to come forward and share that with us.”

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Unbeaten heavyweight Zhang Zhilei signs deal with Matchroom Boxing

Zhang Zhilei (21-0, 16 KOs) has signed with Matchroom Boxing in a deal that sees Eddie Hearn’s firm become the sole promoter of the unbeaten Chinese heavyweight. Zhang last saw action on Nov. 30 in Monte Carlo, Monaco, with a 10-round win over …

Zhang Zhilei (21-0, 16 KOs) has signed with Matchroom Boxing in a deal that sees Eddie Hearn’s firm become the sole promoter of the unbeaten Chinese heavyweight.

Zhang last saw action on Nov. 30 in Monte Carlo, Monaco, with a 10-round win over Andriy Rudenko to kick off his third reign as WBO Oriental champion at the maximum weight.

The 37-year-old sits at No. 11 with the WBO and No. 12 with the IBF, and is currently in New Jersey training for his return to the ring in November.

“I’m very happy to enter into an agreement with Matchroom,” said Zhang. “They are one of the best promoters in the world.

“I’m the best heavyweight coming out of China. I just need an opportunity to become the best in the world which I strongly believe that Matchroom is able to provide. With each of us focused on our part, I wish a happy and successful future together.”

With the heavyweight ranks coming to life in recent years after a long dry period, Hearn is confident “Big Bang” can make an impact.

“The heavyweight scene couldn’t be any hotter right now, so this is the perfect time for Zhang to get back into action and throw his name into the mix,” he explained.

“He is ready to take on all-comers and as he aims for his 22nd win in November, the next step for Zhang then will be to face his fellow top-class contenders and get in position for a world title shot.”

Zhang is now a stablemate of current WBA (Super), WBO and IBF heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, who defeated Zhang 15-11 at the London 2012 Olympic Games on his way to gold.

On his home turf in Beijing in 2008, Zhang was able to secure a silver medal, losing in the super-heavyweight final to veteran amateur boxer Roberto Cammarelle of Italy.

“We are extremely excited about the partnership with Matchroom,” said Zhang’s advisor Terry Lane, from Lane Brothers Boxing. “He is a world-class heavyweight and Matchroom is one of the world’s premier boxing promoters. It’s a natural fit, and this puts him in the mix amongst boxing’s top big men.”

Unbeaten heavyweight Zhang Zhilei signs deal with Matchroom Boxing

Zhang Zhilei (21-0, 16 KOs) has signed with Matchroom Boxing in a deal that sees Eddie Hearn’s firm become the sole promoter of the unbeaten Chinese heavyweight. Zhang last saw action on Nov. 30 in Monte Carlo, Monaco, with a 10-round win over …

Zhang Zhilei (21-0, 16 KOs) has signed with Matchroom Boxing in a deal that sees Eddie Hearn’s firm become the sole promoter of the unbeaten Chinese heavyweight.

Zhang last saw action on Nov. 30 in Monte Carlo, Monaco, with a 10-round win over Andriy Rudenko to kick off his third reign as WBO Oriental champion at the maximum weight.

The 37-year-old sits at No. 11 with the WBO and No. 12 with the IBF, and is currently in New Jersey training for his return to the ring in November.

“I’m very happy to enter into an agreement with Matchroom,” said Zhang. “They are one of the best promoters in the world.

“I’m the best heavyweight coming out of China. I just need an opportunity to become the best in the world which I strongly believe that Matchroom is able to provide. With each of us focused on our part, I wish a happy and successful future together.”

With the heavyweight ranks coming to life in recent years after a long dry period, Hearn is confident “Big Bang” can make an impact.

“The heavyweight scene couldn’t be any hotter right now, so this is the perfect time for Zhang to get back into action and throw his name into the mix,” he explained.

“He is ready to take on all-comers and as he aims for his 22nd win in November, the next step for Zhang then will be to face his fellow top-class contenders and get in position for a world title shot.”

Zhang is now a stablemate of current WBA (Super), WBO and IBF heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, who defeated Zhang 15-11 at the London 2012 Olympic Games on his way to gold.

On his home turf in Beijing in 2008, Zhang was able to secure a silver medal, losing in the super-heavyweight final to veteran amateur boxer Roberto Cammarelle of Italy.

“We are extremely excited about the partnership with Matchroom,” said Zhang’s advisor Terry Lane, from Lane Brothers Boxing. “He is a world-class heavyweight and Matchroom is one of the world’s premier boxing promoters. It’s a natural fit, and this puts him in the mix amongst boxing’s top big men.”

Dmitry Bivol, Murat Gassiev eye returns to ring this year

Matchroom Boxing chief Eddie Hearn hopes to have Russian-based clients Murat Gassiev and Dmitry Bivol back in the ring this year.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published on DAZN.com.

***

Matchroom Boxing chief Eddie Hearn hopes to have Russian-based clients Murat Gassiev and Dmitry Bivol back in the ring this year.

The 26-year-old Gassiev (26-1, 19 KOs) suffered his first professional defeat in his most recent outing, a 12-round unanimous decision against Oleksandr Usyk on July 21, 2018, at Moscow’s Olympic stadium.

Gassiev joined Matchroom and made the decision to move from cruiserweight to heavyweight after that, but a string of bad luck followed by the lockdown have stretched his ring absence to more than two years.

“Murat Gassiev is training in Russia,” Hearn told DAZN recently. “He’s had so many withdrawals of fights in the last year, I’ve lost count.

“But he’s ready to make his return, at heavyweight, hopefully later this year.”

The 29-year-old Bivol (17-0, 11 KOs), meanwhile, is fast approaching a year out of the ring after taking all three scorecards against Dominican challenger Gilbert Lenin Castillo in a successful defense of his light heavyweight strap on Oct. 12.

“Dmitry Bivol is in a tough spot,” Hearn said. “He’s one of the most avoided fighters, and I believe he may be the best light heavyweight in the world.”

Nothing was mentioned regarding Gassiev and Bivol’s expected next opponents, but with the aim being to simply end their in-ring absences before 2020 concludes, a pair of low-risk tune-ups are likely before high-profile bouts in front of crowds in 2021 follow.

“For all of these top names, it’s just a case of getting them out just once this year,” the promoter said. “Letting them get out there, letting them progress their career, letting them get paid, keeping their profile bubbling.

“And that’s the tough job for us now, coming through Fight Camp, trying to schedule all these major names and world champions without crowds. It’s going to be a tough task over the next couple of months.”

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Dmitry Bivol, Murat Gassiev eye returns to ring this year

Matchroom Boxing chief Eddie Hearn hopes to have Russian-based clients Murat Gassiev and Dmitry Bivol back in the ring this year.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published on DAZN.com.

***

Matchroom Boxing chief Eddie Hearn hopes to have Russian-based clients Murat Gassiev and Dmitry Bivol back in the ring this year.

The 26-year-old Gassiev (26-1, 19 KOs) suffered his first professional defeat in his most recent outing, a 12-round unanimous decision against Oleksandr Usyk on July 21, 2018, at Moscow’s Olympic stadium.

Gassiev joined Matchroom and made the decision to move from cruiserweight to heavyweight after that, but a string of bad luck followed by the lockdown have stretched his ring absence to more than two years.

“Murat Gassiev is training in Russia,” Hearn told DAZN recently. “He’s had so many withdrawals of fights in the last year, I’ve lost count.

“But he’s ready to make his return, at heavyweight, hopefully later this year.”

The 29-year-old Bivol (17-0, 11 KOs), meanwhile, is fast approaching a year out of the ring after taking all three scorecards against Dominican challenger Gilbert Lenin Castillo in a successful defense of his light heavyweight strap on Oct. 12.

“Dmitry Bivol is in a tough spot,” Hearn said. “He’s one of the most avoided fighters, and I believe he may be the best light heavyweight in the world.”

Nothing was mentioned regarding Gassiev and Bivol’s expected next opponents, but with the aim being to simply end their in-ring absences before 2020 concludes, a pair of low-risk tune-ups are likely before high-profile bouts in front of crowds in 2021 follow.

“For all of these top names, it’s just a case of getting them out just once this year,” the promoter said. “Letting them get out there, letting them progress their career, letting them get paid, keeping their profile bubbling.

“And that’s the tough job for us now, coming through Fight Camp, trying to schedule all these major names and world champions without crowds. It’s going to be a tough task over the next couple of months.”

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Video: Alexander Povetkin’s epic KO of Dillian Whyte

Here are highlights of Alexander Povetkin’s stunning one-punch knockout of Dillian Whyte on Saturday.

Alexander Povetkin stunned Dillian Whyte and the boxing world with one punch at Fight Camp Saturday in Brentwood, England.

Whyte, who had put Povetkin down twice in Round 4 and seemed to be in control of the fight, was nailed by vicious left uppercut and rendered unconscious instantaneously the following round. The ref stopped the fight without counting.

Thus, Whyte’s march toward a shot at the WBC title came to at least a temporary halt and Povetkin became the sanctioning body’s “interim” titleholder.

Here are highlights from one of the more memorable heavyweight battles in recent years. Video courtesy of DAZN.

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Video: Alexander Povetkin’s epic KO of Dillian Whyte

Here are highlights of Alexander Povetkin’s stunning one-punch knockout of Dillian Whyte on Saturday.

Alexander Povetkin stunned Dillian Whyte and the boxing world with one punch at Fight Camp Saturday in Brentwood, England.

Whyte, who had put Povetkin down twice in Round 4 and seemed to be in control of the fight, was nailed by vicious left uppercut and rendered unconscious instantaneously the following round. The ref stopped the fight without counting.

Thus, Whyte’s march toward a shot at the WBC title came to at least a temporary halt and Povetkin became the sanctioning body’s “interim” titleholder.

Here are highlights from one of the more memorable heavyweight battles in recent years. Video courtesy of DAZN.

[jwplayer vSl2OLJC]

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Dillian Whyte eager for rematch with Alexander Povetkin after KO loss

Editors’s note: This article was originally published on SportingNews.com. *** Dillian Whyte felt he was “bossing” Alexander Povetkin prior to his devastating knockout loss and looks forward to a rematch. Whyte’s hopes of landing an immediate shot …

Editors’s note: This article was originally published on SportingNews.com.

***

Dillian Whyte felt he was “bossing” Alexander Povetkin prior to his devastating knockout loss and looks forward to a rematch.

Whyte’s hopes of landing an immediate shot at the WBC championship against the winner of Tyson Fury-Deontay Wilder III were dashed following the No. 1 contender’s stunning defeat to Povetkin on Saturday at Fight Camp in Brentwood, England.

After dominating the opening four rounds and downing Povetkin twice in the fourth, Whyte was sensationally knocked out with a massive uppercut in the fifth.

Whyte (27-2) asked promoter Eddie Hearn in a video Matchroom Boxing tweeted, “Can we get the rematch in December?”

Hearn responded in the affirmative.

“OK cool,” Whyte said. “I’m good, I’m good. It’s one of them things where he just landed. I was bossing it. It is what it is. Rematch, it’s all good. That’s what heavyweight boxing is about.”

A stunned Hearn said immediately after the fight that Whyte will exercise his rematch clause with Povetkin.

“I can’t quite believe it,” Hearn said. “When he landed the punch, it felt like some dream. The fight was over virtually. Povetkin started well. Dillian Whyte was just measuring him and then he had the great finish to the round before, when he knocked Povetkin down. … I felt it was over, a lot of people felt it was over.

“The drama of the sport we love, the drama of heavyweight boxing is one punch can change everything.”

He added: “I’m pretty much lost for words, if I’m honest with you. We have a rematch clause. The first thing Dillian said was, ‘Get me that rematch, get me that rematch.

“Povetkin is mandatory now, but the only person who would get called to negotiate fighting the winner of Fury-Wilder was Dillian Whyte. We’ll exercise that rematch clause. We’ll look to make that before the end of the year, and it’s a huge fight.”

It was a memorable evening for Povetkin (36-2-1), who said through a translator: “I didn’t feel I would finish the fight like this. I was pretty confident in the fourth round. I went down but I was OK. It wasn’t too much damage so ….”

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Dillian Whyte eager for rematch with Alexander Povetkin after KO loss

Editors’s note: This article was originally published on SportingNews.com. *** Dillian Whyte felt he was “bossing” Alexander Povetkin prior to his devastating knockout loss and looks forward to a rematch. Whyte’s hopes of landing an immediate shot …

Editors’s note: This article was originally published on SportingNews.com.

***

Dillian Whyte felt he was “bossing” Alexander Povetkin prior to his devastating knockout loss and looks forward to a rematch.

Whyte’s hopes of landing an immediate shot at the WBC championship against the winner of Tyson Fury-Deontay Wilder III were dashed following the No. 1 contender’s stunning defeat to Povetkin on Saturday at Fight Camp in Brentwood, England.

After dominating the opening four rounds and downing Povetkin twice in the fourth, Whyte was sensationally knocked out with a massive uppercut in the fifth.

Whyte (27-2) asked promoter Eddie Hearn in a video Matchroom Boxing tweeted, “Can we get the rematch in December?”

Hearn responded in the affirmative.

“OK cool,” Whyte said. “I’m good, I’m good. It’s one of them things where he just landed. I was bossing it. It is what it is. Rematch, it’s all good. That’s what heavyweight boxing is about.”

A stunned Hearn said immediately after the fight that Whyte will exercise his rematch clause with Povetkin.

“I can’t quite believe it,” Hearn said. “When he landed the punch, it felt like some dream. The fight was over virtually. Povetkin started well. Dillian Whyte was just measuring him and then he had the great finish to the round before, when he knocked Povetkin down. … I felt it was over, a lot of people felt it was over.

“The drama of the sport we love, the drama of heavyweight boxing is one punch can change everything.”

He added: “I’m pretty much lost for words, if I’m honest with you. We have a rematch clause. The first thing Dillian said was, ‘Get me that rematch, get me that rematch.

“Povetkin is mandatory now, but the only person who would get called to negotiate fighting the winner of Fury-Wilder was Dillian Whyte. We’ll exercise that rematch clause. We’ll look to make that before the end of the year, and it’s a huge fight.”

It was a memorable evening for Povetkin (36-2-1), who said through a translator: “I didn’t feel I would finish the fight like this. I was pretty confident in the fourth round. I went down but I was OK. It wasn’t too much damage so ….”

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