Eddie Hearn Needs More Info From VADA Regarding Beterbiev
Matchroom Boxing chairman Eddie Hearn is urging for increased transparency regarding the recent VADA test results for unified light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev (19-0, 19KO).
The first title fight of 2024 between Beterbiev and challenger Callum Smith couldn’t unfold without a hint of controversy. Social media is abuzz after news broke about the unified champion’s atypical findings by VADA from a sample taken in December 2023.
According to the boxing news cycle, Beterbiev exhibited elevated levels of HGH and testosterone. Despite this, the fight is proceeding, given that these raised levels are considered normal in the human body. Moreover, VADA has not categorized this as a positive test for a banned substance or an adverse finding.
HE WANTED MORE INFORMATION
In an interview with Boxing News, Hearn expressed his disappointment with VADA for not providing sufficient information.
“Let’s make it clear, it’s not adverse findings . . . but I feel like there needs to be more transparency.”
“At the same time, contractually, it’s not an adverse finding. So, I’d much prefer if it was just one or the other. It’s a test that’s absolutely fine, or it’s an adverse finding . . . we want to know more, and that information hasn’t probably been as forthcoming as we’d like from VADA.”
Beterbiev can’t afford to let this become a distraction, especially with the undisputed showdown against WBA champion Bivol locked in. The 38-year-old Russian has successfully held off Father Time and must remain focused. Meanwhile, Smith is confident in his ability to stop the unified champion.
With so much at stake, boxing fans can catch all the action on January 13 from Quebec, Canada, live on ESPN.
