Conor Benn is close to returning to boxing after the independent National Anti-Doping Commission (NADP) lifted his ban from competing in 2022 for failing two drug tests.
Benn was provisionally suspended after failing two voluntary drug tests ahead of his scheduled fight with Chris Eubank Jr in October 2022, with that fight canceled after he tested positive for the banned substance clomiphene.
He was stripped of his license by the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) and had his provisional suspension lifted by the NADP in July 2023, but his eligibility was later restored following a successful appeal by the BBBoC and the UK Anti-Doping Agency (UKAD). .
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Chris Eubank Jr has said a clash with Ben would be ‘savage’ and admitted the history behind their rivalry means there will be too much going on.
The National Anti-Doping Panel overturned its decision, saying UKAD was “not comfortably satisfied” that it had proven the 28-year-old had committed a doping offence, and Ben took to social media to welcome the decision. A statement was released to the media.
A UKAD spokesperson said: “UKAD notes that professional boxer Mr Conor Benn has made public comments regarding the outcome of proceedings before the independent National Anti-Doping Panel.
“UKAD can confirm that it has received the decision of the independent National Anti-Doping Panel. The Panel found that it was ‘inconvenient’ for UKAD to have established that Mr Benn committed an anti-doping rule breach for his use of clomiphene. ‘I concluded.
“The provisional suspension previously imposed was lifted, and as a result, the indictment against him was dismissed,” he said.
Sky Sports News has contacted the BBBoC for comment, but the governing body has yet to confirm whether it will reinstate Benn’s licence. It’s a qualification Benn needs to be able to fight in the UK again.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
After Eubank Jr’s impressive win over Kamil Szeremeta, Benn broke into the ring and vowed to stop him within three rounds.
UKAD has the option to appeal the decision again under UK anti-doping rules.
Benn relishes the opportunity to return.
Ben, who is set to return to the ring for the first time since April 2022, said in a statement: “After two incredibly difficult years, I am grateful that the National Anti-Doping Commission has finally uncovered all my wrongdoing.
“The last 24 months have been without a doubt the hardest fight of my life. It has been a rollercoaster period with the WBC already deciding I was not guilty and the NADP initially deciding there was no case to answer and that I was free to fight.
“As someone who is passionate about boxing and advocates for a clean sport, I hope you now understand why I have maintained my innocence so strongly.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Eubank Jr then challenged Benn to a fight next and the pair went head-to-head with football superstar Neymar standing between them.
“As a man of God, I bear no ill will towards UKAD or the British Boxing Board. We have a common ambition for a clean sport and I look forward to reconciling with the Board and moving forward together.”
“I would like to thank all my fans for supporting me. Your support will never go unnoticed and of course I would like to thank all of my friends and family for their unwavering faith in me. Only for this support. Only the power of is possible.” Did I do it?
“I would also like to thank Matchroom and Everlast for their unwavering support in helping me reach the full conclusion of the process. Despite these challenges, I have remained disciplined and focused, which shows my desire to be great. It’s proof.
“I am relieved to finally close this chapter and excited to get back in the ring and realize my ultimate potential!!
“Who do you want next!?”
