Chris Eubank Jr had responded to Conor Benn's failed drug test - with a single emoji.
Benn returned an adverse test for banned substance clomiphene in August ahead of his clash with his bitter rival this weekend. The substance is found in medication taken by women who are infertile, but can also boost testosterone in men.
But Saturday night's fight will go ahead after Benn passed subsequent tests, with Eubank Jr responding to a statement from promoter Eddie Hearn with a face-palm emoji, showing his disbelief. Matchroom boss Hearn had said: “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.
“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.
“Both fighters have taken medical and legal advice, are aware of all relevant information, and wish to proceed with the bout this Saturday.”
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Eubank Jr's promoter Kalle Sauerland confirmed the fight will go ahead when he told talkSPORT: "The summary of what we’ve received is that there was this trace finding, but the key for me here is the UKAD findings and the medical advice, which is probably the most important thing here, because we’re talking about a physical combat sport, so that for me is the be all and end all.
"The first thing you think when you hear ‘positive doping test’ is that the fight’s off, then you have to look into what it is… It’s very clear there’s been a big mistake here from the other side, but ultimately has it been done as a PED? No. That’s what the medical opinions are. The fight on Saturday is on.”
