There were plenty of eyes on Conor Benn’s last-minute return to the ring last Saturday following two failed drug tests which have kept him out of the ring for 18 months, and one popular British heavyweight says he won’t ‘forgive and forget.’
Benn’s long-mooted return came at short notice against Mexico’s super welterweight Rudolfo Orozco, who proved incredibly tough and took Benn all the way to the final bell.
One observer was heavyweight, Dave Allen, who lost to Frazer Clarke in his last outing and has fought fighters who have gone on to fail drug tests including Tony Yoka and Dillian Whyte.
Speaking to BBTV Boxing, he gave his view on the Benn saga.
“I think he’s guilty me. He’s had two tests and he’s failed them both and there has been nothing that has come out since that has cleared him of the wrongdoing.”
He said some may think that because Benn has not fought in so long he has endured a ban of sorts.
“The other argument is he’s done 18 months out of the ring so has he served his time? It’s difficult cause he has been getting more stick than other drugs cheats cause of the way he acted when it came out.”
Allen went on to say the problem is rife in boxing and that many seem to be forgiven.
“There are loads of [drug cheats] in boxing. I don’t forgive or forget but I think most of the boxing public seem to forgive and get on with it, but I think the Conor Benn thing rubbed people up the wrong to be honest. I don’t think anyone should get a second chance really.”
All talk has now once again turned to a potential match-up between Benn and long-time British rival Chris Eubank Jr following their first fight being cancelled when Benn originally failed the tests.