Ellie Scotney’s European title shot in doubt – as Benn-Eubank Jnr ‘prohibited’ by BBBoC

Ellie Scotney’s European super-bantamweight title shot on Saturday night has been thrown into doubt after the British Boxing Board of Control have “prohibited” the headline bout between Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Junior.

Matchroom Boxing, promoting the event, issued a statement earlier this week. It 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.”

Scotney, 24, has been told she will will challenge for a world title next if she wins the European belt. The Catford boxer (5-0) is due to take on Mary Romero at Greenwich’s 02 Arena.

“I expect the winner to fight Cherneka Johnson for the IBF [super-bantam] title,” said Scotney’s promoter Eddie Hearn. “Romero is very tough and physical. Ellie will need to dig in.”

PICTURE: MARK ROBINSON/MATCHROOM BOXING