A promoter accuses the British Boxing Board of Control of validating a wrong event

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Amid the bad relationship brewing between a promoter and the British Boxing Board of Control, the board has been accused by the male promoter of being the ones saying a match he thought was wrong should take place.

The Promoter, Eddie Hearn, criticised the board following their treatment of one of his clients whom VADA accused of doping after two tests were conducted. His client, Conor Benn, was to fight with Chris Eubank Jr. recently, but the development put a hold on the event.

Though Benn has been considered not guilty by UKAD, the fighter is yet to be treated accordingly by the board. Instead, Conor Benn waits to hear what they would do, as the body  promises to appeal that ruling.

The UKAD said, ‘UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) can today confirm that it has filed an appeal in respect of a decision handed down by the independent National Anti-Doping Panel regarding anti-doping proceedings brought by UKAD against Mr Conor Benn.

‘As confirmed previously in UKAD’s statement on July 28, 2023, Mr Benn is no longer subject to a provisional suspension. The appeal process will now be followed in accordance with the UK Anti-Doping Rules.’

While speaking on the fight expected to hold between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou, Eddie Hearn called the event a wrong one, saying the two fighters should not be fighting.

‘Interestingly The Board are running the event in Saudi Arabia and are sanctioning the fight between two unlicensed British fighters,’ Hearn criticised the British Boxing Board of Control.

‘One of them is a 34 fight world heavyweight champion who’s number one in the world against an opponent who has never put on a pair of gloves. The fight is a mismatch.

‘It’s a tremendous event and they’ve done a great job. I don’t mind the event, but we’re talking about an event in Saudi Arabia that The Board are going to, to sanction and to run. I’m not saying the fight shouldn’t take place but any respectable commission should be questioning the match making of that fight.’

‘You’re talking about a guy [Conor Benn] who’s won his case against the board and who’s not suspended in a brilliant 50/50 fight that sells out a stadium in the UK, against really an exhibition that you’re sanctioning in Saudi Arabia.

‘I didn’t know that until today and not a lot of people do, they are the governing body for that fight and that event.’

The British Boxing Board of Control released the following statement after the UKAD’s lifting of Benn’s suspension:

‘The British Boxing Board of Control Limited (BBBoC) can confirm that it has filed an appeal in respect of the decision of the independent National Anti-Doping Panel in anti-doping proceedings brought by UKAD against Mr Benn.

‘The BBBoC has an independent right to appeal the decision and, as the governing body for professional boxing in the United Kingdom and having due regard to its role and responsibilities, has elected to do so. The BBBoC can also confirm that UKAD has also appealed.

‘The said appeal shall be dealt with in accordance with the relevant rules. In accordance with those the BBBoC is unable to comment further at this time.’