It has been reported by boxingscene.com that Conor Benn’s last opponent Rodolfo Orozco has been provisionally suspended by Florida Boxing Licence Commission due to adverse analytical finding following the pairs bout on September 24.
Benn’s role has reversed since his cancelled UK grudge match set for DAZN pay-per-view with Chris Eubank Jr. last year. Benn failed two performance enhancing drug tests in the lead up to face his rival in London, the ramifications are still being felt today for Benn and his team.
United Kingdom Anti-Doping (UKAD) suspended Benn due to the failed tests, but a ruling by the National Anti-Doping Panel (NADP) lifted the ban on July 28. However, after a very public fallout between the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) and Benn, the NADP’s decision to clear Benn has been appealed by both UKAD and the BBBoC.
Benn remains unlicensed in the UK, which promoted his non-British sanctioned fight with Orozco in Orlando, Florida. The 27 year old Englishman scored a unanimous decision victory over 10 rounds on the Richardson Hutchins Vs Jose Zepeda undercard at the Caribe Royale Orlando.
The contest saw Benn get back in the ring after nearly 18 months of inactivity where he defeated Chris Van Heerden by second round stoppage in Manchester.
Orozco (32-4-3, 24 KOs) came off a two fight unbeaten run in his native Mexico prior to his loss in Florida, which happened to be the Mexican’s American debut.
As it stands Orozco is banned from fighting in the USA while the investigation reaches its conclusion. He would be clear to continue fighting in Mexico. It is unknown what Orozco has failed the drugs test for, Florida’s boxing commission are expected to address the failed test in a meeting early next year. Benn and his team have made it no secret they expect to be back in the ring by February, hopefully against Eubank Jr.
