As has been the case for the last two years, Conor Benn has made headlines this week after news that he had been cleared of any wrongdoing by UK Anti-Doping [UKAD], following his notorious positive drugs test. Now, the British Boxing Board of Control [BBBofC] have issued a response.
Benn built serious momentum after the Covid-19 pandemic, knocking out two former world champions in early stoppage wins against Chris Algieri and Chris van Heerden respectively.
As a result, ‘The Destroyer’ was well poised to emulate the success of his fabled father Nigel and push on for world honours but instead made the decision to go off-piste and pursue a cross-generational trilogy showdown against arch-nemesis Chris Eubank Jr. – hoping to finish a rivalry that was began by their old men.
Yet, as fight night approached for a show-stopping battle between the sons of British boxing legends, Benn’s name became tainted when he tested positive for a banned substance named Clomiphene during the build-up, resulting in a last-minute cancellation of the contest.
In the months that followed, Benn’s name was dragged through the mud as he was labelled a ‘cheat’ around the world and a fallout with the BBBofC saw him revoke his British boxing licence – subsequently removing any chance of him fighting in the United Kingdom.
Instead, Benn returned in two outings across the pond, overcoming both Rodolfo Orozco and Peter Dobson in unanimous-decision wins in the United States but it has been clear that he has been eager to fight in his home country.
This week, it was confirmed by UKAD that the welterweight contender had been cleared of any wrongdoing relating to the incident, much to the delight of Benn and his promoter Eddie Hearn.
Now, the BBBofC have issued a statement, admitting that they are ‘considering their position’ on whether Benn’s licence should be reinstated and whether he should be permitted to return to fight in his home country.
“The British Boxing Board of Control is aware that Conor Benn issued a public statement on 6th November 2024, in relation to proceedings between UK Anti-Doping and him. The BBBofC refers to the statement published in response by UKAD at Statement from UK Anti-Doping regarding Conor Benn | UK Anti-Doping.
We are considering our position. All enquiries regarding this matter should be directed to UK Anti-Doping.”
Despite previously lobbying for the right to fight in the United Kingdom, it is being reported that Benn will finally meet Eubank Jr. as a part of the mammoth February 22nd bill in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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