The Daily Mail reported today that the British Boxing Board of Control and UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) will be appealing the suspension lifted on British welterweight Conor Benn.
Benn (21-0, 14 KOs) failed two drugs tests in the lead up to an all British pay-per-view contest with Chris Eubank Jr. nearly a year ago. Benn was cleared by the WBC and the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA, accepting a reason for the banned substance Clomiphene being found twice in his system. As a result, Benn was cleared by UKAD to fight again.
However, Benn’s difficult year continues with The Daily Mail’s report being confirmed by the 26 year old on social media and promoter Eddie Hearn discussing the appeal to various outlets in Birmingham today.
“Multiple sources have told Mail Sport that both UK Anti-Doping and the British Boxing Board of Control have triggered their right to contest the decision of the independent National Anti-Doping Panel.” Wrote Riath Al-Samarrai.
Benn has posted to his verified social media accounts since the news broke :
— Conor Nigel Benn (@ConorNigel) August 17, 2023
An official statement from the BBBofC followed not long after the news had broke:
"The British Boxing Board of Control Limited (BBBoC) can confirm that it has filed an appeal in respect of the decision of the independent National Anti- Doping Panel in anti-doping proceedings brought by UKAD against Mr Benn. The BBBoC has an independent right to appeal the decision and, as the governing body for professional boxing in the United Kingdom and having due regard to its role and responsibilities, has elected to do so. The BBBoC can also confirm that UKAD has also appealed.
"The said appeal shall be dealt with in accordance with the relevant rules. In accordance with those the BBBoC is unable to comment further at this time." The statement read.
Benn and his team seem determined to continue his career. Technically speaking Benn could fight in the UK under a foreign licence, but whether the BBBofC would allow such a thing to happen is another question. Benn follows in his father Nigel Benn’s footsteps, who famously tore up his British licence on live TV during his time fighting in America.
