Conor Benn is closer to a return to boxing after the independent National Anti-Doping Board (NADP) lifted his suspension in 2022 for two failed drug tests.
Benn was 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 clomiphene.
His license was revoked by the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) and although his provisional suspension was lifted by the NADP in July 2023, it was later reinstated following a successful appeal by the BBBoC and UK Anti-Doping Agency (UKAD). .
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Chris Eubank Jr says the clash against Benn will be “wild” and admits the history behind their rivalry means there will be so much on the line.
The National Anti-Doping Council overturned the decision, saying it was “not comfortable” that UKAD had proved the 28-year-old had committed a doping offence, and Benn then took to social media to welcome the ruling.
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 Commission.
“UKAD can confirm that it has received the decision of the independent National Anti-Doping Commission. The panel concluded that it was “not comfortable” that UKAD had proved that Mr Benn had committed an anti-doping rule breach for using clomiphene.
“The previous temporary suspension has been lifted and the charges against him have therefore been dropped.”
Sky Sports News has sought comment from the BBBoC, whose governing body has yet to confirm whether it will reinstate Ben’s licence, which is required to allow him to fight in Britain again.
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Ben stormed into the ring after Eubank Jr’s impressive win over Camille Seremeta and vowed to stop her within three rounds.
UKAD has the option to appeal the decision again under the UK Anti-Doping Rules.
Ben is relishing the opportunity to return
Benn, now looking to return to the ring for the first time since April 2022, said: “I am grateful that after two incredibly difficult years, the National Anti-Doping Agency has finally cleared me of any wrongdoing.
“These past 24 months have definitely been the toughest fight of my life. A period in which the WBC had already decided I was innocent and the NADP had decided in the first place 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 a clean sport, I hope that I have now been cleared and can understand why I have maintained my innocence so strongly throughout.
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Eubank Jr challenged Ben to face him next and the pair went head-to-head with soccer star Neymar standing between them.
“As a man of God I bear no ill will towards UKAD or the British Boxing Board of Control, we have shared ambitions for a clean sport and I look forward to reconciling with the board and moving forward together.
“I want to thank my fans who have stood by me, your support will never and will never go unnoticed and of course my friends and family who have all shown unwavering faith in me. Only by virtue of this support. did i get over it?
“I would also like to thank Matchroom and Everlast, as their steadfast support ensured that I could complete the process. I have remained disciplined and focused despite these challenges, which is a testament to my desire to be great.
“I’m relieved to finally close this chapter and excited to get back in the ring and fulfill my ultimate potential.
“Who wants next?”
