It has now been confirmed that Conor Benn is provisionally suspended from competition that is ‘organised, convened, authorised or recognised’ by the British Boxing Board of Control.
The fighter made the news in 2022 for twice testing positive for banned substance, Clomiphene, and has since been embroiled in a tense stand-off with the BBBofC.
This week, Boxing News reported that Benn had been ‘provisionally suspended’ by the UK Anti-Doping Agency, which didn’t administer the drugs tests but is said to have been cooperating with the organisation that did – VADA.
In a statement released today by UKAD, it has been confirmed that Benn was suspended on April 15 after a formal charge on April 3.
“Following reports in the media and comments made by professional boxer Mr Conor Benn on Tuesday 18 April 2023, and in exceptional circumstances, UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) confirms that Mr Benn was notified and provisionally suspended by UKAD on 15 March 2023 in accordance with the UK Anti-Doping Rules.
Whilst provisionally suspended Mr Benn is prohibited from participating in any capacity (or assisting another Athlete in any capacity) in a Competition, Event or activity that is organised, convened, authorised or recognised by the British Boxing Board of Control or any other World Anti-Doping Code-compliant sport.
“UKAD can also confirm that on 3 April 2023 it charged Mr Benn with an Article 2.2 violation for the alleged Use of a Prohibited Substance (clomifene). The charge against Mr Benn is pending and will now follow the Results Management process in accordance with the UK Anti-Doping Rules.”
It was noted that these details have been publicly disclosed due to the ‘exceptional circumstances’ – namely the reporting and subsequent response from Benn.
The undefeated welterweight, 26, is now set to be called to a hearing, as per the Results Management process. He will later be able to lodge an appeal.
Benn, who has claimed innocence throughout and was recently adamant he would fight overseas this June, could be facing a two-year ban from the sport.