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British Middleweight Chris Eubank Jr. Disgusted by Fighters Testing Positive for Banned Substances
Chris Eubank Jr. has expressed his disappointment over the recent spate of boxers testing positive for banned performance-enhancing substances in the United Kingdom. Eubank, who had a high-profile catchweight bout with Conor Benn canceled due to Benn's two failed tests for clomifene, and more recently, Amir Khan's backdated two-year ban for testing positive for ostarine after his sixth-round defeat to Kell Brook, expressed his disgust for the situation in an interview with iFL TV.
Eubank recounted being approached by individuals offering him "assistance" but was quick to dismiss the idea of using banned substances, stating that he had dedicated his life to the sport and that cheating would destroy his reputation. He also expressed concern that young people could be influenced by the behavior of these athletes, and the example they set could lead to further cheating.
"It’s disheartening, it’s upsetting, disappointing because kids are reading these headlines and going, ‘Well, Conor Benn did it. Amir Khan did it. I’m gonna do it.' That’s the example that you’re setting for the kids coming up," Eubank said in the interview.
Eubank, who will be fighting Liam Smith in a rematch on June 17 at the AO Arena in Manchester, also expressed his frustration at the situation and the impact it has on clean athletes. He acknowledged that the issue is prevalent in the sport and that the temptation to cheat can be too much for some fighters.
Eubank's sentiments echo those of many clean athletes who believe that doping not only undermines the integrity of the sport but also poses a danger to those who compete against athletes who use performance-enhancing drugs. It is clear that more needs to be done to deter athletes from using banned substances and to protect the integrity of the sport.