Conor Benn edges closer to boxing return

EARLIER today via social media British welterweight boxer Conor Benn wrote he had been “cleared of any wrongdoing” by the National Anti-Doping Panel.

In October 2022 a highly anticipated catchweight contest between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn at the O2 Arena was cancelled during fight week after it was revealed Benn had failed two drug tests for the banned substance clomifene.

In an interview with Matchroom Boxing’s Chris Lloyd that Wednesday afternoon Benn said, “I’ve not committed any violations.”

Since then Benn, the son of Nigel – a former middleweight and super middleweight champion – has protested his innocence. Prior to the findings Conor had amassed a record of 21-0 (14 KOs). But beating Eubank, the rival family to his own, would have propelled him into British sporting stardom.

Benn was provisionally suspended and had his licence suspended by the British Boxing Board of Control. In early 2023, however, he would be reinstated to the WBC welterweight rankings. And in July 2023 the NADP lifted Benn’s suspension but the Board and the UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) successfully appealed that decision.

Over two years since the findings were first revealed Benn’s statement today (November 6, 2024) said:

“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 instance 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.

“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 that 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!?”

In response to Benn’s statement UKAD said they will, “carefully review the decision” before deciding whether to pursue their right to a further appeal.

“The provisional suspension previously in place has been lifted and the charge against him has been consequently dismissed.”

UKAD has 21 days to appeal.

Boxing News reached out to the Board for comment but have not yet received a response nor have they issued their own statement at time of writing.

Benn has managed to compete on two occasions since his ban having received a licence to box in America. The Londoner recorded points wins over Rodolfo Orozco in Orlando and Peter Dobson in Las Vegas, respectively.

Should Benn get his British boxing licence back it would then pave the way for his grudge match with Eubank to take place sometime in 2025.