It was recently claimed that Connor Benn would learn the final outcome of his anti-doping case by the end of last week.
Benn tested positive for clomifene in July and September of 2022 in the lead-up to his grudge match with Chris Eubank Jr.
Arguments have rumbled on for the ensuing nine months and recently it was reported that the National Anti-Doping Panel hosted a video call to decide whether UK Anti-Doping has jurisdiction over Benn given that he gave up his British Boxing Board of Control license last October.
Benn’s team has also questioned whether UKAD can make a rule on samples collected by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association. It is a contentious debate that as of yet has to be decided either way.
Despite there being no official word on his fighting future, Benn’s promoter Eddie Hearn continues to talk about possible opponents, including former undisputed champion Josh Taylor.
Speaking to IFL TV, Hearn was asked when Benn will fight should he be cleared, and against whom.
“September. If he’s cleared he will fight September 23rd. A f***ing massive fight.”
“Could be Manny Pacquiao. Could be Josh Taylor. I love the Josh Taylor fight. Do we push it into October? Maybe. Eubank is ready to fight September 23rd.
The whole world has called out Connor Benn so if we don’t get Chris Eubank it’s not the end of the world. That’s just a great fight. A massive fight for both of them. But till I get this piece of paper [clearing Benn], I can’t tell you.”
Taylor – who recently lost his WBO super-lightweight belt to Teofimo Lopez – has been engaged in a back and forth with Benn on social media. He’d be making a long-awaited move up to welterweight to face the 26-year-old.
Hearn clearly still wants Eubank, though. When their first fight date fell apart, he moved on to a fight with Liam Smith. He ultimately lost by knockout and activated his rematch clause, but plans for that fight have been clouded by the promoter, who claims he is still in line to face Benn instead.
