In a rather ironic turn of events, Conor Benn’s comeback opponent has failed a drug test.
Benn fought Mexican Rodolfo Orozco back in the summer across 10 rounds out in Florida. It was his first fight since a much-anticipated clash with British rival Chris Eubank Jr in October 2022 fell through when the 26-year-old returned adverse results in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency test.
Orozco proved to be a tougher-than-expected opponent and took Benn the full distance but ultimately lost a unanimous decision.
News emerged yesterday that the 24-year-old Mexican returned a positive VADA test around the time of the fight and has now been suspended by the Florida Athletic Commission pending investigation.
Speaking to Boxing Social, Eddie Hearn has now shared his thoughts on the matter.
“That ban situation is the first we have heard about it from the Florida Commission. It was a commission drug test, it wasn’t one of ours that we additionally employ.”
He then spoke of his disbelief at another fighter failing a test.
“We’ve reached out to Florida to get clarification on that ban. You can’t make it up. At least we are finding out if people have got illegal substances in their bodies. I’d rather nobody tested positive but we are where we are.”
Although Benn is not suspended from fighting, he is involved in an unresolved appeal process with the British Boxing Board of Control and the UK Anti-Doping Agency.
Despite that, he is still keen to fight Eubank Jr on February 3 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, although Hearn has also admitted overseas venues are an option.