Ben Shalom of BOXXER hasn’t held back when it comes to sharing his opinions on the recent controversy surrounding Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn.
On Wednesday, it was revealed that Benn had tested positive for the illegal testosterone-boosting drug clomifene last month.
Prior to it being covered by the media, both sides were informed of this for more than a week.
While this was going on, Eubank Jr. and his team sought independent medical opinion, and the boxer himself made the decision to go forward with the fight.
The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) issued a statement when the information was made public, stating that they would forbid the fight from going through as scheduled.
Eddie Hearn, the promoter of Benn, and Kalle Sauerland, the promoter of Eubank Jr., are currently trying to do a U-turn.
The future of the fight is still up in the air as things stand.
On talkSPORT on Thursday, rival promoter Shalom joined White and Jordan to discuss the fight. Shalom had previously worked with Sauerland to produce fights for Eubank Jr. on his broadcasts.
Young promoter Shalom stated, “I’ve seen a lot of things in the last 18 months that have startled me, but I believe this is particularly alarming.”
“I know I have to watch what I say, but people often debate whether boxing is a sport or a business.
The board is constantly in a tricky situation because, in the end, the sport is administered by the promoters, who are also operating companies.
So there’s always this power struggle, which we’ve saw with previous judges and with a variety of events over the past year. But it’s impossible to look at this one.
“In any other sport, there wouldn’t even be a discussion when a boxer failed a drug test.
It’s extremely shocking, I don’t know what’s going on right now.
I’m concerned about the sport, said Shalom.
“Boxing has always been perceived as somewhat of a filthy sport, but there are so many decent individuals involved in this sport, believe me…
“This is ridiculous, and yes, I’m concerned for the sport because it’s taken practically five steps backwards while boxing may have advanced over the past six months.
“This is a pretty difficult one to accept. I work in the sport, so I’m concerned about the potential effects.
Shalom concluded by saying: “This is complete disrespect for the sport.” He then offered his last opinion on the fight possibly going through.
“And have a look at the overall conclusion of the available public opinion.
“Only the event’s promoters believe it should proceed.
“I don’t want to blame the promoters entirely; I realise there is a lot of money to be earned and I am aware of their precarious position.
The alarming symptom is that the mechanism, the board, the sport, and the fact that it is possible to do so.
