Conor Benn hasn't fought since April 2022 after being suspended. Credit: PA/Yui Mok
Conor Benn prepares to return to boxing and potentially resurrect his canceled fight with Chris Eubank Jr after his suspension was lifted by the UK Anti-Doping Authority.
Benn claims he was acquitted by the National Doping Agency panel after being charged by Ukad in March with alleged use of clomiphene, a female fertility drug that can also increase testosterone levels.
A positive result during a voluntary a drug test in July was discovered just days before Benn, the son of former world champion Nigel, was scheduled to fight Chris Eubank Jr., the son of his father's once nemesis.
It forced the cancellation of the event, which cost him more than £1 million, but Benn, who has not boxed since April 2022 and has always maintained his innocence, is now set to immediately re-apply for a license with the British Boxing Board of Control. /p>
On Friday, Benn himself announced a dramatic development, followed by a Ukad statement stressing that they still have the right to appeal and will now seriously consider their options.
“Ukad notes that Mr. Benn made additional public comments today regarding the proceedings before the independent National Anti-Doping Commission,” UKAD said in a statement. “Ukad can confirm that Mr. Benn is no longer suspended under the UK Anti-Doping Rules.
“When decisions in a case are made by a panel, the rules give all relevant parties the right to appeal. Under the rules, the UCAD has 21 days from the date of receipt of the decision to file an appeal. Ukad carefully reviews all decisions in its cases before deciding whether to exercise its right to appeal.”
Can Benn vs. Eubank fight will return on the cards? Photo: Reuters/Andrew Cooldridge.
Benn, however, feels he is now ready to resume an unbeaten and promising 21-fight pro career.
“Today is the end of a grueling 10-month trial in which the WBC has already determined that I am innocent of any wrongdoing,” the statement said.
“I was acquitted a second time. I hope the public and various members of the media can now understand why I have so stubbornly maintained my innocence all this time.
“The last 10 months have weighed heavily on me and I worry that if this happens to me, it could potentially happen to any honest, dedicated and clean athlete like me. It was only with the strength of all this support that I was able to continue working during this difficult time. Now I intend to put this issue behind me and look ahead. Which starts with a fight as soon as possible so I can remind everyone who I am.”
Benn's promoter, Eddie Hearn, suggested that he planned the comeback fight two months before the more difficult fight. adversary in December.
“It has been a brutal, painful year of work and faith,” Hearn said. “The nightmare is over and he can get back to his career. Now we sit down with Conor and look at the plan.
“Maybe he will have a slightly smaller fight at first. He hasn't been in the ring for a year and a half, but he wants big fights as soon as possible.
“We will decide what suits him. I love that he will come back and fight maybe in September and then go to the big fight in December.” eggs” may have been the reason for the positive test in July.
Benn provided the WBC with a 270-page defense document, but said the eggs were never offered as an explanation. He does not agree that the banned substance was ever in his system.
The National Anti-Doping Commission, which is run by Sports Resolutions, has yet to release its report.
The BBBofC conceded to Ucad in response to Benn's comments. “The British Boxing Control Council is aware that Conor Benn has issued a public statement … in relation to the legal proceedings between him and the UK Anti-Doping Service,” the statement said. “BBBofC refers to the statement posted in response to Ukad.”
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