Benn vs Eubank Jr fight called off after failed drugs test

The bout was plunged into doubt on Wednesday after if was revealed that Benn had tested positive for clomifene, which is commonly used as medication to treat infertility in women.

However, the substance is known to increase levels of testosterone in men, which is why it stands on the World Anti-Doping Agency's banned list.

The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) then stepped in and stated it would be ‘prohibiting’ the fight from taking place.

But promoters Eddie Hearn and Kalle Sauerland insisted they would still be anticipating the fight to go ahead while both Eubank Jr and Benn, who already knew about the test, said they were happy to enter the ring.

However, after legal talks with the High Court on Thursday, a decision was made to call off the bout, which was due to take place at the O2 Arena in London on Saturday, October 8th. 

In a joint statement, Matchroom Boxing and Wasserman Boxing said: "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."

The decision means boxing fans will be forced to wait a little longer to watch the pair, whose fathers fought in the 1990s.