Conor Benn provided a dossier of 270 pages of evidence to the World Boxing Council in December 2022, and it appears that the organisation is about to present its verdict.
The young welterweight’s career has been in limbo since the powers that be were informed of two failed doping tests for Clomiphene – typically a female fetility drug but on the World Anti Doping Agency banned list due to its ability to raise testosterone levels.
Benn finds himself caught up in two high-profile investigations – one with the British Boxing Board of Control and one with the WBC. The BBBofC have publicly stated that they have not received sufficient information to progress, so it’s unclear when the fighter may have the chance to once again hold a British license.
The WBC investigation is what Benn and his team have been focused on, and will determine whether or not he can compete under their banner, re-enter their world rankings and, ultimately, compete for their belts.
Riath Al-Samarrai of Sportsmail – who broke the initial news of the failed test and has been close to the investigation ever since – is now reporting that the result of the WBC’s investigation will be favourable to Benn, who has apparently been informed of the outcome via video call already.
It’s believed then that their announcement on findings will come alongside reintroducing Benn to the rankings.
Whilst breadcrumbs along the way have pointed to accidental ingestion, contamination, and even an error on the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency’s part, the exact reason that he believes he is innocent is still unknown outside of the investigation.
Fight fans will hope, rightfully, that this 270 page document will be released or at least summarised for them to finally be let in on the case and its details. The British Board’s investigation is expected to follow, but no timeline has been provided.