Chris Eubank Jr and Billy Joe Saunders have been bitter rivals for years, so it was only a matter of time before the former weighed in with his opinion after his rival’s failed drugs test.
Saunders has vacated the WBO middleweight title and faces a six-month ban after failing a VADA test for the stimulant oxilofrine. It meant his big-money fight with Demetrius Andrade was cancelled.
Saunders outpointed Eubank Jr in a close fight in 2014, with the pair’s feud failing to fizzle out in the years since.
And now Eubank Jr, rumoured to be on the verge of announcing a mega fight vs James DeGale in December, has taken aim at Saunders.
He wrote: "So Billy Joe Saunders, how long you been taking illegal substances for son?
"It’s funny how you were giving it to Canelo while you were cheating with drugs yourself.
"Enjoy your time out and don’t worry the belt you’ve been stripped of will be in more deserving hands soon enough # Justice."
WBO president Francisco Valcárcel has reacted to the decision of the Massachusetts State Athletic Commission (MSAC).
He wrote: “Billy Joe Saunders has voluntarily vacated the WBO middleweight title and publicly apologised for his violation of the Massachusetts Athletic Commission’s anti-doping regulations.
“Also, I will recommend to the WBO executive committee that Saunders receives a six-month suspension for his transgression.”
A statement released by promoter Frank Warren confirmed he is set to launch a legal fight and challenge the MSAC in the Supreme Court at the earliest opportunity.
Warren said: "I have read comments that MSAC had no choice as a failed test is a failed test however these comments are, with respect, misleading and ignorant of the fact the MSAC apply the WADA code. To put it a simply as possible the timing of the test being out of competition and the substance detected only being prohibited in competition under the WADA list means it was not a failed test. All that VADA do is conduct a test and report the results. It was for MSAC to then apply the WADA code to those results which they failed to do properly.
"This year Billy-Joe has had 4 tests carried out by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) and a subsequent test performed by VADA has contained no traces of any prohibited stimulants.
"This is not some technical legal argument. It is the simple facts and the truth. The MSAC, in their decision to deny a licence to Billy-Joe, have wilfully refused to properly apply the code of WADA to their ruling. Further the MSAC refused to properly consider submissions from Billy-Joe’s representative despite him being present at the hearing.
"Unlike the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC), the MSAC is a State appointed governing body and therefore the decision will be appealed and challenged in the Supreme Court at the earliest opportunity.
"Cases such as these can take a considerable time to be heard and adjudicated on and, given the damaging effect these accusations of wrongdoing have had on the mental wellbeing of Billy-Joe, he is in no position to continue in his profession until such a time as his name has been cleared.
"Boxing is a dangerous sport and the 100 per cent health – both physical and mental – is paramount at all times.
"Because of the mental anguish brought about by this case and out of respect for the WBO, Billy-Joe will with a heavy heart relinquish his world title, whilst this issue is in the process of being resolved."
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