British boxing star Conor Benn is now officially free to resume his career in the UK after being cleared of any wrongdoing over his failed drug tests two years ago.
Benn failed two doping tests ahead of his planned bout with Chris Eubank Jr in October 2022, with the welterweight twice testing positive for the banned substance clomifene. It led to the much-anticipated bout – a throwback to the original rivalry between the pair’s super-middleweight world champion fathers, Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn – being scrapped.
The British Boxing Board of Control subsequently revoked Benn’s boxing licence and Benn and his team set about the task of clearing his name.
The UK’s National Anti-Doping Panel (NADP) lifted Benn’s provisional suspension in the summer of 2023, but UK Anti-Doping, the body that administered the tests, and the British Boxing Board of Control successfully appealed the decision, leading to Benn’s suspension being reinstated.
However, the NADP, an independent tribunal, once again ruled in favour of Benn and reversed that decision.
𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕯𝖊𝖘𝖙𝖗𝖔𝖞𝖊𝖗 ⚔️ @ConorNigel#Halloween pic.twitter.com/JwBBAHDjBh
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) October 31, 2024
Reacting to the decision, Benn posted a statement on social media, saying, “I am thankful that after an incredibly challenging two years, the National Anti-Doping Panel has today finally cleared me of any wrongdoing.
“This past 24 months has unquestionably been the toughest fight of my life. A rollercoaster period within which the WBC had already decided that I was innocent and the NADP decided in the first instant that there was no case to answer and I was free to fight.
“As someone who is so passionate about boxing and an advocate for clean sport, I hope now I have been cleared it can be understood why I have maintained my innocence so strongly throughout.
“As a man of God I bear no ill will toward UKAD or the British Boxing Board of Control, we have a shared ambition of a clean sport and I look forward to reconciling with the Board and moving forward together.
#TeamBenn pic.twitter.com/mGvcPraQHi
— Conor Nigel Benn (@ConorNigel) November 6, 2024
“I would like to thank my fans that have stood by me, your support has never and will never go unnoticed, and of course my friends and family, all of whom have displayed an unwavering belief in me. Only with the strength of all this support have I made it through.
“I would also like to thank Matchroom and Everlast as their steadfast support ensured I could see the process through to a full conclusion. I have stayed disciplined and focused despite the challenges faced, which is a testament to my desire to be great.
“I’m relieved to finally close this chapter and am excited to get back in the ring to realise my ultimate potential! Who wants it next!?”
While Benn’s intention is to now move on with his career, it remains to be seen what UK Anti-Doping’s next move will be. In a statement, a spokesperson said the organisation is considering its next steps.
“UKAD notes that professional boxer Mr Conor Benn has made public comments today regarding the outcome of proceedings before the independent National Anti-Doping Panel,” the statement began.
“UKAD can confirm that it received the decision of the independent ‘not comfortably satisfied’ that UKAD had proved that Mr Benn had committed an Anti-Doping Rule Violation for the Use of clomifene. The Provisional Suspension previously in place has been lifted and the charge against him has been consequently dismissed.
“UKAD will now carefully review the Panel’s decision in accordance with its appeal rights under the UK Anti-Doping Rules.”
