Eddie Hearn has spoken out about the latest fallout from the Conor Benn saga this week – and admitted there have been times where he’s doubted his fighters innocence.
Speaking to SecondsOut, Hearn however went onto say that, having weighed up a variety of factors, he is now of the that belief Benn’s positive VADA test was not the result of intentional wrongdoing.
“Yes, I have doubted his innocence.
But I’ve made the decision – based on the facts, based on talking to him, based on knowing him, based on going through this process – that I believe that he’s innocent.
People might criticise me for that, but I’m entitled to my opinion.”
Benn came under criticism from some quarters recently, when a statement from the British Boxing Board of Control revealed ‘The Destroyer’ intentionally relinquished his license ahead of a scheduled disciplinary hearing.
Many fans took to social media to voice their disproval, with theories circulating that this decision was undertaken in order to avoid punishment from the Board.
Benn himself released a statement last week, where he sensationally admitted to failing a second drug test in July of this year.
Despite this, however, Benn reaffirmed his commitment to proving his innocence and maintained he is and always has been a clean athlete.
Clarity on Benn’s future is unlikely to arise for at least a few weeks, with Hearn stating it could be up to a month before a decision is made on whether the 25-year-old will be forced to serve a ban.
The Matchroom promoter also accepted making a ‘mistake’ in the handling of the situation.