Boxing’s muddy waters never settle
Since the dawn of human time the “sport” of boxing – gladiatorial combat using only fists – has been inextricably linked with corrupt practices.
Where should I begin?
Shoe-horns or knuckle-dusters in gloves?
“Fixed” contests, with or without boxers (from journeymen to world title holders) agreeing to “take dives” in … er … any round that the Mob, or indeed determined gamblers, have chosen that the contest should end.
Cue here perhaps a reference to the famous scene in the movie On The Waterfront (1954) in the back of the taxi when brothers Charley (played by Rod Steiger) and Terry Malloy (played by Marlon Brando) discuss the latter’s promising professional career which effectively ended when he was persuaded to “take a dive” in a bout that – had he won it – could have led to him becoming a world title contender
See here, courtesy of – YOUTUBE
Shady business deals abounding in the management world surrounding those who were talented and privileged to fight at the highest level.
And, of course, drug-taking of all descriptions for all purposes from e.g. recreational use, to shedding pounds to make a weigh-in limit, to building oneself up muscle-wise and/or just “giving oneself a testosterone-fuelled” rage in the final days before an important fight.
The most recent “scandal” when it comes to drug-taking is that which kyboshed the intended and very lucrative catch-weight, non-title grudge bout between Chris Eubank Jnr and Conor Benn – respectively the offspring of legendary British pugs Chris Eubank Snr and Nigel Benn – that had been slated to take place last Saturday night.
The cause of the debacle was Con Benn failing a voluntary drugs test – he was found to have a substance called clomifene in his bloodstream. It is banned across the board in all major sports, being intended as a fertility aid for women but – in men – capable of giving a powerful testosterone boost.
When this test result became public, all hell broke loose and – despite the promoters Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren exploring all possible avenues in an attempt to find a way for the fight to proceed – commendably, the British Board of Boxing Control banned it.
And would you believe it?
Overnight we learn that this wasn’t the first time Conor Benn had failed a test for clomifene.
Quelle surprise (not necessarily)!
See here for a report that appears today upon the website of the – DAILY MAIL
