At a hearing on 21st October, Conor Benn gave up his British boxing license and allegations against him were officially upheld.
The statement from the British Boxing Board of Control comes at the same time as Benn’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has promised that the fighter will speak to the media this week in an attempt to provide evidence and information that will clear his name following reports that he failed a doping test.
The full statement, released on the evening of Wednesday 26th October by the BBBofC, reads as follows:
“By a notice dated 17th October 2022, Mr. Conor Benn was called by the Board of the BBBofC to attend a hearing to deal with allegations of misconduct pursuant to Rule 25.1.1. The hearing took place on 21st October 2022. On the morning of the hearing, Mr. Benn voluntarily relinquished his licence with the BBBofC.
In accordance with its Rules and Regulations, the Board determined the allegations following the hearing at which Mr. Benn was legally represented.
The allegations of misconduct against Mr. Benn were upheld.”
The rule they reference cites ‘conduct detrimental to the interests of boxing’ – similar wording to that of the announcement on their behalf to postpone Benn’s fight with Eubank Jr following the news of the banned substance found in his system.
The Board’s involvement comes towards the end of the day that conversations surrounding Benn ramped up once more following a relatively quiet few weeks. It’s said that the fighter has been behind the scenes working with legal teams and scientists in order to gain information that will prove, as he states, he is a clean fighter. Today it was also suggested by Hearn that the situation may be a case of contamination.
With Benn due to release a statement and address the media this week, more will certainly follow.