The British Boxing Board of Control have officially confirmed an investigation by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) into Conor Benn’s positive doping test.
Benn was due to face Chris Eubank Jr in one of the most hyped events of the year, however it was pulled at the last minute following news that he had been found to have a banned substance in his system.
Although the test was carried out by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency and not its UK equivalent, there has been talk of the two organisations sharing information to make an investigation easier. This has now been confirmed by the Board of Control in a statement released this morning.
“Following the British Boxing Board of Control Limited’s decision on 4th October 2022 to prohibit the contest between Chris Eubank Jnr. and Conor Benn that was scheduled to take place on 8th October 2022, the Board is aware that it has been widely reported in the press that an ‘A’ sample provided by Mr. Benn to the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association tested positive for a prohibited substance. UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) has launched an investigation in relation to Mr. Benn and the Board is in communication with UKAD in relation to that investigation. The Board will release further details in relation to this matter, as and when appropriate.”
— BBBofC (@BBBofCuk) October 14, 2022
The statement follows much speculation that an investigation was going to take place, however this is the first official confirmation from the board.
It follows Boxing Social’s exclusive interview with Benn’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, who told us that his fighter would be shedding light on the details of the doping drama soon. It’s unclear if the official status of investigation from UKAD will prevent Benn from releasing certain details.
Benn took to social media yesterday to post a message seemingly directed at his doubters, and his promoter, Hearn, believes people will ‘change their minds’ once the new information comes to light.