As Eddie Hearn readies Conor Benn for his ring return, the promoter still has many questions to answer in the eyes of pundits and fans.
The fighter was plunged into controversy last year when it was revealed he had failed two doping tests for banned substance, Clomiphene.
Benn has not fought since, with the focus put on a battle to clear his name outside of the ropes. Despite being cleared of ‘intentional ingestion’ by the sanctioning body, WBC, he is currently unable to box in his home country until the British Boxing Board of Control’s own investigation is cooperated with.
Pair that investigation with the continued criticism from fans and analysts, and the undefeated 26-year-old isn’t exactly in the clear.
There’s perhaps been no more outspoken critic of Hearn’s handling of the situation than talkSPORT’s Simon Jordan, who in their sit-down interview told him his actions were ‘outrageous.’
“You’ve got a situation at this moment in time where you’ve got a fighter that’s failed drug tests and all I hear from you is how you’re going to get him fighting again. Surely he must get himself cleared.
What you’re doing is diminishing the argument about how important drugs are in the system of this sport by suggesting that the most important thing he needs to do is get out and fight. That’s outrageous mate.”
Despite the criticism, Benn’s comeback fight is targeted for June 3 in Abu Dhabi and there doesn’t seem to be any hesitation on fighter or promoter’s part that it won’t go ahead.
The BBBofC may still have something to say, though, with a recent report claiming that they may look to intervene if the opponent holds a UK license.