Conor Benn has been reinstated to the WBC’s rankings following an investigation into doping tests in 2022, however fighting in his home country is another matter entirely.
The undefeated fighter failed two tests for banned substance, Clomiphene, but has remained adamant that he’s a clean fighter. The sanctioning body’s investigation concluded that whilst the results of the test looked into stood, no evidence of ‘intentional ingestion’ was found, rather Benn’s diet of eggs was a ‘reasonable explanation.’
Many in the sport feel that the British Board of Control’s investigation holds more weight given the circumstances, and it has now been confirmed that it is ongoing and unaffected by the WBC ruling.
In an official statement, the Board confirm that they have not been privy to the same evidence.
The British Boxing Board of Control Limited (the “BBBOC”) is aware that the WBC has considered two positive findings in relation to Mr. Conor Benn who, at the time the relevant samples were taken in 2022, was a licence holder with the BBBOC. The BBBOC has not been party to the review conducted by the WBC and has not been provided with sight of any evidence submitted on Mr. Benn’s behalf.
The statement goes on to detail the importance of the BBBofC’s investigation given the fact that the governing body was directly involved in Benn’s fight with Chris Eubank Jr, and prohibited it in the wake of the doping news story.
The BBBOC is aware that the WBC has concluded its own review into at least one of the two positive findings and reached its own decision, published today 22nd February 2023. For clarity, whilst the BBBoC wishes to make clear that it respects the WBC, the WBC is a sanctioning body and not a governing body. The BBBOC was the governing body with whom Mr. Benn was licensed at the material time, and as such any alleged anti-doping violation shall be dealt with in accordance with its rules and regulations.
Finally, the Board confirms that the WBC ruling will not have any impact on an official verdict in the ongoing case against Benn.
The BBBOC has adopted the UK Anti-Doping Rules published by UK Anti-Doping, and those formed part of the rules to which Mr. Benn was bound. As such, the decision of the WBC does not affect the ongoing implementation of the BBBOC’s rules (and those of UKAD).
— BBBofC (@BBBofCuk) February 22, 2023