Nigel Benn has said that, if his son was found to be knowingly taking performance enhancing drugs, he would leave him to deal with the consequences himself.
The statement came before a fresh assurance to the public from the father that Conor Benn was innocent in the doping drama that has taken over the conversations in boxing.
Conor was due to face Chris Eubank Jr in a statement fight that had crossed into mainstream interest. The pairs’ fathers had fought twice in the nineties, laying the track for this clash of the sons. The event was pulled at the last minute, however – the British Boxing Board of Control deciding that Benn returning a positive doping test was reason enough to prohibit it.
At a recent speaking tour with Eubank Sr, Nigel Benn has refreshed claims of his son’s innocence, but not before telling the supportive audience that if he was guilty he would be on his own.
“I know my son. I’m 59 years old, I train twice a day every day. I dedicated person. Anything I put my mind to, I do. Me at my peak, I’m here. My son, Conor, in his fitness regime, is already here [higher]. Completely different.”
“If my son, ever, ever, ever, ever took performance enhancing drugs – I’m sorry to say – I’d hang him out. I’d say ‘son, I love you, but you’re on your own.’ But I know my son. He’s got my DNA. He would never do that. There’s so much that’s going to come out now, and the only thing I can say, I just pray to God that the apology is as loud.”
The BBBofC have confirmed an investigation into Benn’s drug test result is to take place, and the fighter has promised his fans that he will be able to provide more information around the situation soon. In the meantime, we have to make do with statements like this from his father.