Conor Benn’s first in-depth interview since it was revealed a banned substance was found in his system hasn’t had the response that the fighter might have wanted.
Rather than considerations of giving him the benefit of the doubt, most publications and pundits are focussing on the fact that Benn confirmed that he had failed not just one, but two Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency test.
The test that returned traces of clomifene in September led to the British Boxing Board of Control prohibiting his fight with Chris Eubank Jr days before it was scheduled to take place.
However, the first test, which has now been revealed to have taken place in July, was previously unreported. Despite claims of transparency for all involved, Boxing Scene is now reporting that a member of Chris Eubank’s team describe the development of the first failed test as “baffling.”
It’s unclear when Eubank’s team were informed of the July test, and how much information was provided. They were, however, made aware of the September test as it happened and, with the information they had, were willing to go ahead with the fight.
Promoter Eddie Hearn, who is backing Benn as innocent, said that all parties were informed of all relevant information appropriately.
The seemingly conflicting reports of who knew what when come around the time that Chris Eubank Jr has sent a coded message via his Twitter account, saying simply:
“What’s done in the darkness always eventually comes to light.”
What’s done in the darkness always eventually comes to light.
— Chris Eubank Jr (@ChrisEubankJr) October 28, 2022
As Benn and his team are expected to mount a defence of contamination, this latest news adds yet more questions to the saga – and boxing fans are refusing to move on without answers.