Chris Eubank Jr is unlikely to face Conor Benn as planned after the latter returned a positive test for the banned substance clomifene.

The bout was initially placed in jeopardy after welterweight fighter Benn tested positive for clomifene following a drugs test by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association.

This was confirmed in a joint statement from Wasserman Boxing and Matchroom on Wednesday, though it was suggested the fight would still go ahead as scheduled.

However, the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) subsequently confirmed the bout would not take place.

A BBBofC statement read: "On the evening of 4th October 2022, the Board of the British Boxing Board of Control Limited resolved that the contest between Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn scheduled to take place on 8th October 2022 is prohibited as it is not in the interests of Boxing.

"That was communicated to the Boxers and Promoters involved on the morning of 5th October 2022."

Matchroom, Benn's representatives, had earlier said: "The B Sample had yet to be tested, meaning there is no rule violation. He is not suspended, and he remains free to fight. Mr Benn has passed all doping control tests conducted by the UK Anti-Doping Agency (UKAD)."

Eddie Hearn has since confirmed lawyers are in discussions with the BBBofC to try and ensure that the fight can take place.

A sold-out crowd had been expected to be in attendance for the event at the O2 Arena in London. 

The Eubank-Benn rivalry goes back over 30 years, with the fighters' respective fathers – Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn – having fought in 1990 and 1993.

Eubank Sr won the first fight, with the second finishing as a split draw.