There could finally be an end in sight regarding the ongoing doping saga that started with Conor Benn failing two performance-enhancing drug tests in the build up to an all British mega-fight with long time rival Chris Eubank Jr.
Benn failed for the banned substance Clomiphene, which is regularly used as a female fertility drug. The two failed tests were in fact held from the public by both the British Boxing Board of Control and Benn’s promoters Matchroom. The news broke just days before the scheduled bout.
The 26 year old welterweight was cleared by the testing the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA) and the WBC, who were governing the bout. This prompted Benn’s ban to be lifted by the BBBofC and UKAD, the British jurisdiction on the match-up.
The Daily Mail broke the story this morning which was swiftly followed by official responses from Benn and the BBBofC.
Benn posted on his verified social media account:
— Conor Nigel Benn (@ConorNigel) August 17, 2023
That was closely followed by a statement from the BBBofC:
"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."
UKAD made a similar statement compared to the BBBofC later in the day.
"Ultimately Conor Benn is licensed." Benn's promoter Eddie Hearn told the media in Birmingham yesterday. "He has a licence with a very reputable commission, that we didn't move forward with because he was suspended by UKAD. We had conversations with them that they weren't overly comfortable with moving forward at that time because he was suspended. Right now? He is not suspended by UKAD, which means he is not suspended by the British Boxing Board of Control. We appreciate that he doesn't have a [UK] licence. What we could do right now is one of two things. He can definitely fight internationally with the licence that he has because he is not suspended by any governing bodies across the world. He can also use his international licence in Britain with permission to box from the British Boxing Board of Control. Which will be very interesting, because I don't think the board can actually legally turn down Conor Benn."
