CONOR BENN has broken his silence after his showdown with Chris Eubank Jr was cancelled due to a drug test controversy.
The fight was set to take place at the O2 Arena on Saturday night before it emerged Benn had failed a drug test.
Eubank Jr hit out after a late bid to rescue the fight had failed by slamming his rival for "using an illegal substance".
Now Benn has taken to social media to say: “I am truly gutted that we are unable to make this fight happen on Saturday and I’m sorry to everyone that has been affected by the postponement.
“I am still completely shocked and surprised by this and it has been a tough couple of days.
“My team and I will consider the next options, including rescheduling the fight, but my immediate focus is on clearing my name because I am a clean athlete!!!”
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Eubank vs Benn officially CANCELLED after failed drugs test as Hearn loses appeal
The boxing showdown was thrown into doubt on Wednesday after it emerged Benn had failed a drugs test before the British Boxing Board of Control pulled the plug and refused to sanction the bout.
Just two days before the weigh-in it emerged Benn had failed a pre-fight drug test, which SunSport understands took place on September 23.
The British bruiser returned an adverse finding for clomifene, which is commonly used as medication to treat infertility in women who do not ovulate.
However, it can also increase testosterone levels in men, which is why it is on the World Anti-Doping Agency's banned list.
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Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn has lashed out at British Boxing chiefs and vowed to take legal action.
The promoter issued the following statement: "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."
Eubank tweeted: "Conor got caught using an illegal substance so the fight is off. Can’t believe it.
"I really apologise to the fans & everyone that bought tickets, traveled & booked hotels, this should not of happened. He has escaped his schooling… for now."
However, Eubank and Benn, 26, are said to still be happy to lace up the gloves at a later date.
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