Blog #3
Let’s Have Some Parliamentary Procedure
Introduction
The collapse of Chris Eubank Jr v Conor Benn is one of extreme controversy. It arguably would have been the best British fight of the year. It was also going to revive the historic Eubank v Benn series.
So, what happened?
Fight History
Almost thirty years after Chris Eubank Snr v Nigel Benn II rematch, Eubank Jr and Benn were to fight on 8th October 2022 at the O2 arena. Based on the history of the two last names, the hype behind the fight was huge. Eddie Hearn felt the bout could sell 1 million pay-per-views [1]. Part of the hype was built by Eubank Jr comically saying he can only fight at 60%, and if he were to lose, he would retire.
The agreed weight of the fight was a catchweight of 157 pounds due to both fighters being in different weight classes. Eubank Jr usually fights at middleweight (160 pounds) or a super-middleweight (168 pounds), whereas Benn fights at welterweight (147 pounds). Here lies one of the reasons for the collapse, but we shall return to this point later.
Why The Fight Collapsed
On 5th October 2022, renowned boxing journalist Riath Al-Samarra revealed Conor Benn had failed a VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Association) drugs test after an adverse finding of Clomifene in one of his tests [2]. Reportedly the failed test was conducted in September [3], so it is interesting why the fight got called off so late.
Clomifene increases muscle mass and strength [4] by indirectly boosting androgen levels [5]. Given that Benn had to put on 10 pounds to make the catchweight, one might assume the drug was in his body to help him make a weight he has not fought at in his career.
Weeks before the sensational reveal, Eubank Jnr’s father, oddly, was pushing for the fight to not go ahead by stating, ‘I have already lost one son, there is no way I am going to risk losing another’ [6]. With no public knowledge of the failed drug test at that time, one must assume that Eubank Snr knew of the failed drug test by Benn and was fearful of his son fighting against someone who failed a drug test.
Points Of Discussion
Firstly, it is pivotal to understand that Conor Benn failed a VADA drug test, not a UKAD drug test. The significance of this is that the BBBofC (British Boxing Board of Control) do not use VADA testing, as they use UKAD testing. There is no obligation for fighters fighting under a British boxing license to undergo VADA testing. Had Benn not undergone VADA testing, the fight would have commenced. Although not returning a positive UKAD test and thus not breaching the BBBofC anti-doping rules, the bout was not commissioned by the BBBofC, as it was not in the interest of boxing [7] per rule 25.1.1 of the BBBofC rules and regulations [8]. Even when fighters do not breach the anti-doping rules, if the BBBofC does not believe the fight would be in the interests of boxing, they will not commission it.
Matchroom Boxing and Wasserman Boxing decided that the fight should not continue, not the BBBofC [9]. Conor Benn could have fought on a foreign license, but Eddie Hearn ruled out the possibility of appointing an overseas commission to sanction the fight. The route was taken in 2012 by David Haye after obtaining a Luxembourg Boxing Federation license. The BBBofC denied his boxing license after his violent altercation with Derek Chisora [10]. It is interesting to ponder whether Benn would have obtained a foreign boxing license.
Past British Doping Cases
Doping cases can go one of two ways, seen by Tyson Fury and Dillian Whyte.
Tyson Fury, in February 2015, failed a drug test, testing positive for nandrolone [11]. The level of the steroid was higher than the body would naturally produce [12]. In comparison to Benn, Fury was suspended in 2016 by the BBBofC pending investigation [13]. Tyson Fury and the BBBofC ultimately agreed on a settlement of a backdated two-year ban from the ring [14]. Confident of his innocence, Been may be unwilling to accept a deal. However, under precedent, this is one of the avenues available to Benn to get back in the ring quicker.
Dillian Whyte's case ended more favourably. In July 2019, Whyte returned, to UKAD (UK Anti-Doping Agency), two samples which indicated the presence of the banned steroid Dianabol [15]. After an investigation by the BBBofC, findings revealed that a contaminated supplement containing trace amounts of two metabolites of steroids caused the positive test [16]. In addition, in the same month, Whyte tested negative in VADA testing [17]. After the investigation, Whyte said, ‘For those who believed in me I won't forget you. To those who didn't, I won't forgive you and I know who you are’ [18].
Benn could find him in the same situation as Whyte. Benn is sure that the only reason for the positive tests is contamination as the trace amounts found were ‘the tiniest of traces’ [19]. If Benn were to decide not to follow Fury, he could be in the same position as Whyte, proving all the commentators wrong and finding out who truly is in his corner.
Future
All eyes will be on the BBBofC and UKAD investigations [20] for failed drug tests in July and September. If found guilty, Benn could be given a four-year suspension [21] from fighting under a BBBofC license [22], per article 10.2.1 of the UKAD rules [23] Benn would, as a result, have to start fighting under a foreign license if he can obtain one if he wants to return to the ring soon. Undoubtedly he will find it hard to find willing opponents, however.
Reportedly Benn has hired prestigious sports lawyer, Mike Morgan of Morgan Sports Law, arguably the best lawyer regarding anti-doping [24]. He has represented the likes of Chris Froome, Lizzie Armistead and Tyson Fury in past anti-doping cases.
The WBC (World Boxing Council) are also investigating the fighter. If found guilty, he will not be able to re-enter the WBC world ranking for up to a year, per Article 4.41 of the WBC rules and regulations [25]. Benn was ranked in the top five of the WBC and was seemingly getting close to a mandatory world title fight vs Errol Spence Jr. Should he be removed from the WBC rankings, after the investigation, it will be extremely tough for the young fighter to re-enter and might never. Currently, he is no longer ranked by the WBC whilst the matter is being investigated [26].
Benn and his promoter Eddie Hearn are seemingly confident regarding both investigations. When asked by a fan when he would return, Benn stated, ‘Early next year bud’ [27]. Hearn has also been bullish on Benn's chance of returning, saying Benn will be fighting ‘sooner than you think’ [28] and that ‘people are going to be surprised by what comes out’ [29].
Conclusion
Connor Benn's legacy and future are on the line. At the age of 26, he is not even in his prime and was well on his way to a world title bout and has the skill set to win one. Benn will hope his investigation has the same result as Dillian Whyte. However, if he is found guilty, after the duration of the suspension handed, Benn will find it hard to shrug off the scandal, which will burden the rest of his career should he choose to continue fighting after the suspension.
References
[1] Sean Nam, ‘Hearn Thinks Eubank Jr-Benn Can Do A “Million” Pay-Per-View Buys’, Boxing Scene, published on 4 October 2022, https://www.boxingscene.com/hearn-thinks-eubank-jr-benn-million-pay-per-view-buys--169485#:~:text=Hearn%2C%20the%20head%20of%20Matchroom,the%20United%20Kingdom%20%C2%A319.99 (last accessed 23 December 2022)
[2] Riath Al-Samarrai, ‘Exclusive: Conor Benn has failed a drugs test ahead of his fight against Chris Eubank Jnr’, Daily Mail, published on 5 October 2022, ‘https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-11282849/Conor-Benn-fails-drugs-test-fight-against-Chris-Eubank-Jnr.html’ (last accessed 23 December 2022)
[3] Sky Sports, ‘Conor Benn confirms two drug test failures before Chris Eubank Jr cancellation | 'My innocence will be proven’, Sky Sports, published on 27 October 2022, https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/12731807/conor-benn-confirms-two-drug-test-failures-before-chris-eubank-jr-cancellation-my-innocence-will-be-proven (last accessed 23 December 2022)
[4] Jack Rathborn, ‘What is clomifene? Conor Benn returns ‘adverse’ drugs test ahead of Chris Eubank fight’, Independent, published on 6 October 2022, https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/boxing/what-is-clomifene-conor-benn-drugs-test-b2196081.html?amp (last accessed 23 December 2022)
[5] Nyle Smith, ‘Bad Bog Benn | What is the banned substance clomifene that Conor Benn tested positive for’, The Sun, published on 6 October 2022, https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/20013617/what-is-clomifene-banned-substance-conor-benn/amp/ (last accessed 23 December 2022)
[6] Wally Downes Jr, ‘Stop This Madness’ | Chris Eubank Sr to pull Chris Jr out of ‘dangerous’ Conor Benn fight as he ‘won’t risk losing another son’, The Sun, published on 29 September 2022, https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/19784905/chris-eubank-sr-son-conor-benn-fight/amp/ (last accessed on 23 December 2022)
[7] Kerr Ferguson, ‘BBBofC Statement On ‘Prohibited’ Eubank Jr-Benn Fight: ‘Not In The Interests Of Boxing’, Boxing Social, published on 5 October 2022, https://boxing-social.com/news/bbbofc-statement-on-prohibited-eubank-jr-benn-fight-not-in-the-interests-of-boxing/#:~:text=News-,BBBofC%20Statement%20On%20'Prohibited'%20Eubank%20Jr%2DBenn%20Fight%3A,released%20a%20statement%20in%20response. (last accessed on 23 December 2022)
[8] British Boxing Board of Control Limited Rules and Regulations 2022
[9] Sean Nam, ‘Hearn Insists Decision to Pull Eubank-Benn Was Made By Matchroom, Wasserman’, Boxing Scene, published on 9 October 2022, https://www.boxingscene.com/hearn-insists-decision-pull-eubank-benn-made-by-matchroom-wasserman--169596 (last accessed on 23 December 2022)
[10] Jake Donavan, ‘Hearn Insists Decision to Pull Eubank-Benn Was Made By Matchroom, Wasserman’, Boxing Scene, published on 9 October 2022, https://www.boxingscene.com/hearn-insists-decision-pull-eubank-benn-made-by-matchroom-wasserman--169596 (last accessed on 23 December 2022)
[11] James Gray, ‘Tyson Fury drugs ban explained: How he failed a test and why he now faces reinvestigation’, iNews, published on 16 March 2020, https://inews.co.uk/sport/boxing/tyson-fury-drugs-ban-nandrolone-failed-test-ukad-anti-doping-408719 (last accessed 23 December 2022)
[12] Sean Ingle, ‘Tyson Fury baffled at reports he failed drug test for banned nandrolone’, The Guardian, published on 26 June 2016, https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/jun/26/tyson-fury-heavyweight-champion-baffled-drugs-test-nandrolone (last accessed 23 December 2022)
[13] Independent, ‘Tyson Fury: British Boxing Board of Control agrees to lift former world heavyweight champion’s suspension’, Independent, published on 19 January 2018, https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/boxing/tyson-fury-suspension-license-british-boxing-board-of-control-a8167936.html (last accessed 23 December 2022)
[14] Note 13
[15] Adam Powers, ‘Did Dillian Whyte fail a drugs test? UKAD ruling explained ahead of Mariusz Wach bout’, Express, published on December 7 2019, https://www.express.co.uk/sport/boxing/1214230/Dillian-Whyte-drugs-test-UKAD-Mariusz-Wach-Eddie-Hearn-Joshua-Ruiz-2 (last accessed 23 December 2022)
[16] Dan Rafael, ‘Dillian Whyte has doping charge dropped on eve of fight’, ESPN, published on 6 December 2019, https://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/28238799/dillian-whyte-doping-charge-dropped-eve-fight (last accessed 23 December 2022)
[17] Note 16
[18] Steven Muelhausen, ‘Dillian Whyte cleared of doping charge after UKAD probe finds no violation’, DAZN, published on 7 December 2019, https://www.dazn.com/en-US/news/boxing/dillian-whyte-gets-drug-test-case-withdrawn-cleared-by-uk-anti-doping-agency/19kvqm4po0mg314ewyjbrsr2w4 (last accessed 23 December 2022)
[19] The Guardian, ‘Conor Benn suggests ‘contamination’ may be to blame for failed drug test’, The Guardian, published on 28 October 2022, https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/oct/28/conor-benn-contamination-failed-drug-test-boxing-chris-eubank-jr (last accessed 23 December 2022
[20] Sky Sports, ‘Conor Benn: British Boxing Board of Control confirms UK Anti-Doping investigation after failed drugs test’, sky sports, published on 14 October 2022, https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/12720152/conor-benn-british-boxing-board-of-control-confirms-uk-anti-doping-investigation-after-failed-drugs-test (last accessed on 23 December 2022)
[21] Oli Gamp, ‘UKAD launch an investigation into Conor Benn after his positive drugs test that saw his fight against Chris Eubank Jr collapse, confirms the BBBofC – with the fighter facing a ban of up to FOUR YEARS’, Daily Mail, published on 14 October 2022, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-11315391/UKAD-launch-investigation-Conor-Benn-positive-drugs-test-Chris-Eubank-Jr-fight.html (last accessed 23 December 2022)
[22] Kerr Ferguson, ‘Conor Benn demands explanation from WBC: My name deserves clearing’, Boxing Social, published on 29th December 2022, https://boxing-social.com/news/conor-benn-calls-out-vada-and-wbc/ (last accessed on 30 December 2022)
[23] The 2021 UK Anti-Doping Rules
[24] World Boxing Council Rules & Regulations Of The World Boxing Council (“WBC”)
[25] Riath Al-Samarrai, ‘Conor Benn is REMOVED from the WBC world rankings following two failed drugs tests before cancelled grudge match with Chris Eubank Jr - as sanctioning body suspend his ranking amid ongoing investigations’, Daily Mail, published on 9 November, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-11407261/amp/Conor-Benn-REMOVED-WBC-world-rankings-following-failed-drugs-tests-Chris-Eubank-Jr-bout.html (last accessed on 23 December 2022)
[26] Riath Al-Samarrai, ‘EXCLUSIVE: Conor Benn hires one of the world's leading sports lawyers - who has worked with Tyson Fury and Chris Froome - as he tries to clear his name over the failed drugs test that saw his fight with Chris Eubank Jr cancelled’, Daily Mail, published on 15 October 2022, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-11318629/Conor-Benn-hires-one-worlds-leading-sports-lawyers-clear-name.html (last accessed 23 December 2022)
[27] Sean Nam Sean Nam, ‘Conor Benn Says He Will Return to Boxing ‘Early Next Year’, Pleads with WBC To Speed Up Investigation’, Boxing Scene, published on 29 December 2022, https://www.boxingscene.com/conor-benn-says-he-return-boxing-early-next-year-pleads-with-wbc-speed-up-investigation--171478 (last accessed 31 December 2022)
[28] Chisanga Malata, 'CAN'T WAIT' Eddie Hearn says Conor Benn will be fighting ‘sooner than you think’ as Brit awaits punishment for failed drug tests’, The Sun, published on 5 December 2022, https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/20658128/conor-benn-next-fight-drug-test-ban/ (last accessed 23 December 2022)
[29] Kerr Ferguson, ‘Hearn On Benn Hearing: People Are Going To Be Surprised By What Comes Out’, Boxing Social, published on 6 December 2022, https://boxing-social.com/news/hearn-on-benn-hearing-people-are-going-to-be-surprised-by-what-comes-out/ (last accessed 23 December 2022)