Eddie Hearn insists the all-British showdown between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn is still ON.

Saturday's domestic grudge match was thrown into doubt earlier today when it came to light that trace amounts of a fertility drug had been detected in a sample Benn had submitted to VADA.

The British Boxing Board of Control stepped in to declare the scheduled fight at London's O2 Arena was "prohibited" and "not in the interests of boxing".

But Matchroom Boxing supremo Hearn is confident the catchweight contest will still be able to go ahead. 

He said: "We've just seen the British Boxing Board of Control's statement, which is pretty straightforward. It's with the lawyers going backwards and forwards right now. 

"Both guys signed up to a multitude of testing for this fight and the UKAD testing, which is the testing agency the BBBofC use, have all been clear and negative, while there was an adverse finding on a VADA test previously. 

"So there's not been an official doping violation but there's a process that has to be followed. Conor is not suspended by the British Boxing Board of Control. Ultimately, he can't be because he's gone through all the tests from UKAD. 

"But clearly the British Boxing Board of Control will take a position on it.

"Both camps are prepared to progress with the fight but conversations have to be had with the lawyers, the teams and the British Boxing Board of Control."

Hearn also confirmed that unbeaten Benn, 26, would be present at this afternoon's open workout as scheduled. 

The Destroyer's promoter added: "You'll see him here. It's a very difficult situation for him. 

"We've seen people previously make their mind up before news or official confirmation comes out, so it's a very difficult time for him. 

"But he'll be here going through the process. We've put a lot of work into this show and we'll see what happens from here. 

"Like I said, from Eubank's side and Benn's side, they feel the fight should progress. But we'll have to have conversations with the British Boxing Board of Control through the lawyers and see where this process ends."

Speaking at that workout, Benn said: "I’ve not committed any violations. I’ve not been suspended. So as far as I’m concerned, the fight is still going ahead. 

"I’ve spoken to Chris personally and we still want the fight to go ahead. We want the fight to happen for the fans.

"Throughout my whole career, all my tests have come up negative. I’m a clean athlete and we’ll get to the bottom of this.

"Chris fully believes in me. I’m a professional athlete and he was understanding."

After news of Benn's failed VADA test emerged, Matchroom and Eubank Jr's promoters Wasserman Boxing issued a joint statement. 

It said: "We have been made aware that a random anti-doping test for Conor Benn conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association returned an adverse analytical finding for trace amounts of a fertility drug. 

"The B sample has yet to be tested, meaning that no rule violation has been confirmed. Indeed, Mr Benn has not been charged with any rule violation, he is not suspended and he remains free to fight.

"Mr Benn has since passed a doping control test conducted by the UK Anti-Doping agency, the anti-doping authority to which the British Boxing Board of Control has delegated its doping control testing for the bout. 

"Mr Benn has passed all doping control tests conducted by UKAD. 

"Both fighters have taken medical and legal advice, are aware of all relevant information and wish to proceed with the bout this Saturday." 

The rivals are due to face off almost 30 years since their fathers Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr met in the rematch of their iconic rivalry.

But while the bout has captured the imagination of fight fans, it has also caused controversy due to the contracted fight weight of 157lb, with Eubank Sr urging people to boycott the event amid concerns over safety. 

When the bout was signed, Eubank Jr revealed he would like his father to be in his corner. However, it remains to be seen whether that will be the case should it go ahead.