Conor Benn has been officially added to Matchroom Boxing’s upcoming card on September 23rd, following his clearance to resume his career following his anti-doping issues after testing positive for the substance Clomiphene.
Benn [21-0, 14KOs] had failed two VADA-administered anti-doping testing procedures before his previously scheduled encounter with Chris Eubank Jr, which was slated to occur on October 5th 2022, at London’s O2 Arena.
Subsequently, Benn was provisionally suspended in March of this year till the relevant authorities [UKAD and the British Boxing Board of Control] could investigate the matter. Ultimately, Benn would be cleared to resume his career in July by the Independent National Anti-Doping Panel. However, UKAD, alongside the British Boxing Board of Control, has since appealed his clearance by the panel which cleared him.
Ultimately, at the time of publication, Benn has no suspensions, which prevent him from resuming his career either domestically or abroad.
Benn will feature at the Caribe Royal Hotel in Orlando, Florida, as part of the supporting cast, which features Sandy Ryan’s [6-1] pursuit of unified welterweight success as she faces current IBO, WBA & WBC world welterweight champion Jessica McCaskill [12]-3. The event will be headlined by Richardson Hitchins [16-0] vs. Jose Zepeda [37-3] in a contest scheduled for twelve rounds in the super-lightweight division.
Benn will be stepping up to super-welterweight and will face Rodolfo ‘Sinaloita’ Orozco (32-3-3, 24 KOs) in a contest scheduled for ten rounds.
At 24 years old, Orozco, a veteran of 38 fights, will be boxing for the first time outside of his native Mexico. Benn represents a significant step up in opposition for the Mexican.
Promoter Eddie Hearn was pleased that Benn was returning to action on the card this upcoming Saturday and is already aiming to place Benn in major fights following his appearance this weekend.
“Conor Benn is back, and I’m looking forward to seeing him pick up where he left off. He’s ready to go straight in for a big fight now, but his trainer, Tony Sims, will be pleased to get him back sooner against a game opponent in Rodolfo Orozco. Conor is looking unbelievable in the gym, and I cannot wait to see him back in the ring where he belongs on what is a fantastic fight card in Florida.”
Benn himself spoke spiritually that he is undefeated inside and outside of the ring as he says that he is putting all fighters from 147lbs to 160lbs on notice as he aims to defeat them all.
“I am undefeated in the ring and in spirit. A return on Saturday is a step closer to redemption. After that, I’m putting the 147-160 divisions on notice. You are looking at a determined man with a deep desire to beat them all.”
Orozco, however, is aiming to derail the Benn return and has vowed that Benn has made a mistake in facing him this upcoming weekend.
“I want to thank Matchroom and BXSTRS for this opportunity. This is exactly what I’ve been waiting for. This isn’t short notice for me because I’ve been preparing for this moment my entire life. You’ve made a mistake Conor, and I’ll show you that this Saturday.”
