Following his own doping scandal last year, Conor Benn now finds himself on the receiving end of news that an opponent has tested positive for a banned substance.
The 26-year-old Brit made headlines for returning findings in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency test for Clomiphene. His October bout with Chris Eubank Jr – which had garnered considerable mainstream attention – was cancelled just days before it was due to happen as a result.
Since then, Benn has been fighting his battles outside the ring in an attempt to clear his name. Despite not currently being suspended anywhere in the world, an ongoing dispute with the British Boxing Board of Control and the UK Anti-Doping Agency prevented him from making a ring return on home shores in September
Instead, Matchroom took him to Florida for a ten-rounder in the super-welterweight division. Rodolfo Orozco was the man in the opposite corner, who entered the ring with a record of 32-3-3 and managed to take Benn the ten round distance before losing a unanimous decision.
Orozco was praised for his durability and toughness in the controversial bout, but little else. Now, even those compliments have been rescinded as Boxing Scene reports the 24-year-old Mexican has returned a positive VADA test that sees him suspended by the Florida Athletic Commission as an investigation takes place.
No details are currently available on the substance, levels, or when exactly the sample was taken. It’s an ironic twist in boxing’s ongoing saga with doping, and just the latest in a number of high profile test failures this year.
Benn is currently at the tail-end of talks with Chris Eubank Jr to reschedule their fight. Should terms be finalised, it’s expected to land in February.