Bob Arum Blasts Eddie Hearn for Making Artur Beterbiev’s ‘Atypical’ Finding an Issue Ahead of Callum Smith Fight

Artur Beterbiev is under heavy scrutiny at the moment. Allegations suggest that the champion may have used banned substances leading up to his title defense against Callum Smith.  This revelation casts doubt on the upcoming fight between the two. It’s important to note that the allegation stems from an “atypical finding” in Beterbiev’s pre-fight testing. This finding is not conclusive enough to support a claim of PED usage. Nevertheless, the initial result has prompted many to raise concerns about the potential use of banned substances.

Eddie Hearn, who is Callum Smith’s promoter, has been proactive in expressing his concerns. He has even demanded that there needs to be further investigation into the matter to ensure that fighters are abiding by the VADA rules. Expressing disapproval of his overzealousness, Bob Arum slammed Eddie Hearn for making the matter an issue ahead of their fight on January 13th.

Bob Arum thinks Eddie Hearn should be ashamed of himself

According to Arum, there was no reason to be suspicious as there were no adverse findings. In addition, he substantiated by stating that the official VADA testing had tested negative and that the said substances could occur naturally as well. While he did that, he asserted that the previous controversy had escalated only due to Hearn. While talking to Boxing News, Arum stated, “I have to rely on the people doing the testing. And they said that there was nothing new to this. Atypical means that there is a trace of something that can be created by your own body.” While using some harsh words for the CEO of Matchroom Boxing, he stated, “It was only Eddie Hearn who should be ashamed of himself that made an issue of this.”

Arum was displeased with Hearn’s conduct after the results came to light. According to him, since VADA themselves have given a go-ahead for the fight, Hearn’s allegations hold no water. “I mean, VADA, that’s why we all hire them. They’re the experts, and if they say there’s nothing there, there’s nothing there. You’re not a doctor; I’m not a doctor; they’re doctors,” stated Arum. As if that wasn’t enough, Beterbiev himself has spoken on the matter.

Artur Beterbiev denies all claims

Beterbiev does not have a serious objection to the current allegations against him. In his public statement, he suggested that since the commencement of his career, he has remained a clean athlete and abides by all procedures laid down by VADA. In addition, he warned that any statement that suggested otherwise would be defamatory. He stated, “I am a clean athlete. I have never tested positive for a banned substance throughout my career. Any attempt to imply otherwise, through innuendo or suggestion, is slanderous and libelous.”

Read more: “He Won’t Get Sanctioned”: Eddie Hearn Reveals Why Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol Would Not Happen

As of now, despite the findings, the fight is going ahead as scheduled. But we ask you, what do you make of the current debacle? Share with us your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.