Ben Shalom admits broadcasters pulled out of press conference due to Conor Benn drug scandal
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Ben Shalom admits ‘broadcasters have been withdrawn from Claressa Shields vs Savannah Marshall press conference’ over Conor Benn drug scandal, claiming positive test is damaging to boxing promoters reputation
- Ben Shalom says drug scandal involving Conor Benn affects him
- He also says it will affect Saturday night’s historic all-female card at the O2
- Benn, who is 26, recently failed a drug test after testing positive for clomiphene
- It meant his scheduled showdown with Chris Eubank Jr was canceled this month
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Ben Shalom says broadcasters withdrew from the Claressa Shields vs Savannah Marshall press conference because they were ‘tired of boxing’ after the Conor Benn drug scandal.
Benn’s highly anticipated fight with Chris Eubank Jr was postponed after the first tested positive for traces of the fertility drug clomiphene, which boosts testosterone levels.
Shalom says Benn’s situation had a negative impact on Saturday’s historic all-female card at London’s O2 and claimed his reputation as a promoter had also been dented as a result of the scandal.
Ben Shalom says drug scandal involving Conor Benn is affecting him and his job
“Promoters should be responsible for the sport because they have been given so much responsibility,” Shalom . said talkSPORT.
“The broadcasters don’t pay the BBBoC like the Premier League or the FA, they pay the promoters who are private companies.
‘The board may need more direction and support there, but ultimately you have to take responsibility.
Benn was set to fight Chris Eubank Jr (left) on October 8 before the scheduled fight was cancelled
As a result, Benn could be banned after his failed drug test prior to his fight with Eubank Jr
“We feel extremely responsible for all the fighters on our behalf, for the sport in this country, for the health of the sport.
“That’s why last week affects not only those involved, but everyone in boxing because that’s all people have been talking about for so long.
“Even this week it really frustrates me that broadcasters pulled out of our press conference” [on Thursday] because they had had enough of boxing.’
Sports post understands that Benn will be formally investigated by the UK Anti-Doping Agency (UKAD). If proven guilty, the Briton could be banned for up to four years.
Shalom says broadcasters have pulled out of Shields vs Marshall press conference (above)
He also said the scandal is damaging to promoters and the sport as a whole
Sports post Also understands that Benn is under investigation over claims that he failed a separate pre-test drug test that marked the 11-hour cancellation of his fight with Eubank Jr.
The possible second failed drug test – also for clomiphene – is said to have happened earlier this year. And if it turns out to be true, it could lead to a suspension of more than four years, the usual length for a single violation.
However, Benn remains adamant that he is innocent of doping and claims he will receive a hefty apology when the result comes in.