Anthony Fowler has weighed in on Conor Benn’s ‘adverse’ test result and has revealed the severe lack of drug testing as a professional.
Taking to social media after the reports emerged about Benn failing a VADA test for trace amounts of clomifene, a drug claimed to increase testosterone levels in men, Fowler detailed what the testing landscape is like for pro boxer.
“It’s harming the sport when people are failing tests and people are still considering having the fight. It makes a bit of a mockery of the sport in my opinion.
I was always a clean athlete myself, never failed a test in my life, but as an amateur I was literally getting tested every other month, randomly. Blood tests and urine tests.
As a professional – none of that. Nobody could give a f**k if I’m being honest. I’ve had two piss tests after I boxed Liam Smith and maybe one or two others.
But they were just piss tests, they’re accurate for about 72 hours or something. Blood tests is what matters, especially in camp.
I think boxing needs to change a lot. I think a lot of fighters are dong sly stuff and they get away with it because they’re not being tested.”
The Liverpudlian went on to say that if something doesn’t change soon in the sport then we can expect the worst to happen.
“I’ve never been tested in 5 years randomly. I’ve been tested two, three times just urine, not even blood, blood tests are a lot more accurate.
Something needs to be done because someone is going to get killed in the ring.”
Talking specifically about the Conor Been situation, Fowler simply stated that the rules should apply to everyone.
“I don’t know the whole story with Conor, I’m not sure if he’s taken a false supplement or what has happened, I like Conor a lot but the rule stands for everyone – if you fail a test you don’t fight.”
Just my opinion on STEROIDS or banned substances in BOXING, it’s a sad state of affairs 2bh, and we ALL keep saying people should be BANNED for life etc but f**k all seems to be getting done and this will result in a fighter losing his/her LIFE ONE DAY 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/8OZ3y9F8jB
— Anthony Fowler 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (@afowler06) October 5, 2022
Reports emerged today that UKAD will potentially be investigating the positive VADA test result, this means Benn could be looking at a potential four year ban if proven guilty. However, it must be stated that so far details about the findings have been few and far between and Benn has yet to put forward his case.