Conor Benn has broken his silence on the ongoing investigation into the failed drugs tests that rocked British boxing.
The young welterweight tested positive for Clomiphene twice in the lead up to his family rivalry fight with Chris Eubank Jr. The substance is banned by the World Anti Doping Agency due to its ability to increase testosterone.
Benn has maintained his innocence ever since the news first broke, but has remained somewhat quiet due to the ongoing cases against him.
He has now released a statement that, it’s assumed, will pre-empt the announcement of the conclusion of said investigation.
“I want to start by saying this has been a very difficult time – not just for me, but my family and my team. I couldn’t have got through this without the love and support of those closest to me and my supporters who have stood by me, am forever grateful.”
Benn then maintained that he has been clean throughout his career, and mentioned Tony Sims’ gym as being one that cuts no corners. He then said he would ‘forgive, but not forget.’
“It’s been really hard for me to accept that people think that I would do what I was accused of but what I’ve come to realise is people rush to judgement, without knowing the facts especially people in the boxing community (and, most disappointingly, even those that know me).
Although I’ve kept away from social media, I’m well aware of those who have thrown dirt on my name. I’ll forgive but I won’t forget.”
He then mentioned his father, Nigel – a British boxing legend who was preparing to be in his son’s corner for the Eubank Jr fight.
“I’m thankful to my dad who has been with me through this whole period and I’m glad this nightmare is coming to an end for the sake of our combined mental health. Never did we think we’d go through something like this but they say the hardest fight is life and the adversity it brings. I want to make up for lost time and not let another moment go to waste.”
Benn then alludes to the investigation, believing that the evidence he and his team have provided will see him innocent.
“I’ve stayed in the gym and continued to work extremely hard, staying positive that my innocence will be proven and the truth will come out.
My team has proven my innocence and the truth will soon come out. Until then, I won’t be commenting further due to confidentiality.
There were times I feared it never would but we all had faith.”
Finally, the 26-year-old made it clear that this would be his last comment on the matter before the turn of the year. In 2023, he intends to continue his quest for a world title.
“For now, I am looking forward to sharing Christmas privately with my family and I will be back in January. See you all in 2023, the year I become world champion!”
You can read Benn’s words in full below.
— Conor Nigel Benn (@ConorNigel) December 12, 2022