Conor Benn has suffered a huge blow in his attempts to return to the ring after it was announced that he is once again subject to a provisional suspension.
Benn has been involved in a massive battle with both UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) dating back to October 2022, when he returned adverse findings in drugs test leading up to his planned fight with Chris Eubank Jr.
‘The Destroyer’ has maintained his innocence throughout, and it even appeared that the issues may be overcome after the independent National Anti-Doping Panel lifted his suspension, allowing him to have two fights in the USA over the past six months.
Benn is once again unable to compete though after UKAD and BBBofC won an appeal against the ruling, as UKAD explained in a new statement.
“UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) can today confirm that as of 7 May 2024, Mr Benn is once again subject to a Provisional Suspension in accordance with the UK Anti-Doping Rules.
“Whilst provisionally suspended Mr Benn is prohibited from participating in any capacity (or assisting another Athlete in any capacity) in a Competition, Event or activity that is organised, convened, authorised or recognised by the British Boxing Board of Control or any other World Anti-Doping Code-compliant sport.
“UKAD and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) were successful in their respective appeals of a decision handed down by a tribunal of the independent National Anti-Doping Panel in July 2023. Mr Benn’s Provisional Suspension was reimposed by the appeal tribunal following the successful appeals.
“Mr Benn’s case remains before the independent National Anti-Doping Panel and the case will now progress in accordance with the UK Anti-Doping Rules. UKAD is not able to make any further public disclosures at this time.”
This was then followed up by a similar statement from the BBBofC.
‘The British Boxing Board of Control Limited (“BBBoC”) refers to a statement published today, 10 May 2024, by UK Anti-Doping (“UKAD”).
“As UKAD have stated, the BBBoC can confirm that Conor Benn is subject to a Provisional Suspension prohibiting him from participating in any capacity (or assisting another Athlete in any capacity) in a Competition, Event or activity that is organised, convened, authorised or recognised by the BBBoC or any other World Anti-Doping Code-compliant sport.
UKAD and the BBBoC were successful in their respective appeals of a decision handed down by a tribunal of the independent National Anti-Doping Panel in July 2023, and Mr Benn’s Provisional Suspension was reimposed by the appeal tribunal following those successful appeals.
As Mr Benn’s case remains before the independent National Anti-Doping Panel and the case will now progress in accordance with the UK Anti-Doping Rules, the BBBoC is not able to make any further public comment at this time.”
Benn had been linked to a number of big fights, including Manny Pacquiao, Gervonta Davis and Jarron Ennis, but it appears for now he’ll be unable to return to the ring anytime soon.
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