Nathan Gorman has had some stern words regarding Conor Benn’s adverse test result – saying that if the finding is proved conclusive, Benn should be banned for life.
Speaking to Boxing Social, Gorman echoed the sentiment of many that taking performance enhancing drugs in boxing equates to endangering the life of an opponent and there should be a zero tolerance policy.
“If it’s true and it’s something that helps you in that ring then in my opinion he needs to be banned for life, take his license off him.”
“It’s hard enough as it is for us fighters to step in that ring. You’re putting your life on the line, you want an even playing field.”
“If someone’s on performance enhancing drugs then they’re ten times the athlete, aren’t they?”
“It’s disgusting in my opinion. I was looking forward to that fight, it doesn’t get bigger than Eubank vs Benn III and it’s been taken away from us because of something stupid.”
The boxing world awaits the results of Benn’s ‘B’ sample – with a doping violation not considered to have officially taken place by the Voluntary Anti Doping (VADA) Association until this also tests positive.
However, it is extremely rare that the ‘B’ sample differentiates from the original sample.
Benn was found to have trace amounts of Clomifene, an infertility drug that is said to increase testosterone in men, in his system. The drug is on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s banned list and comes with it a potential ban from the sport of up to 4 years. That is, of course, should the investigation formally take place and the fighter is unable to clear his name or provide valid reason.