Conor Benn released a statement in response to new appeal today
Unbeaten welterweight Conor Benn released an official statement in response to a fresh new appeal made against him this month by the British Boxing Board of Control and UKAD.
The 26-year-old's statement read: "I'm disappointed at the news of an appeal being made, having already been cleared by both the WBC and National Anti-Doping Panel to continue my career without restriction.
"It was also disappointing to note the media seemingly knew an appeal was being made before me or my legal team and that there have been further breaches of confidentiality. There is clearly an agenda against me and we have seen that from the start of the process.
"As I have said before, I am innocent. Nothing has changed and I remain confident in my position. I will not be commenting further while I let the legal process play out."
BBBofC Statement:
"The British Boxing Board of Control Limited (BBBoC) can confirm that it has filed an appeal in respect of the decision of the independent National Anti-Doping Panel in anti-doping proceedings brought by UKAD against Mr Benn. The BBBoC has an independent right to appeal the decision and, as the governing body for professional boxing in the United Kingdom and having due regard to its role and responsibilities, has elected to do so. The BBBoC can also confirm that UKAD has also appealed.
"The said appeal shall be dealt with in accordance with the relevant rules. In accordance with those the BBBoC is unable to comment further at this time."
Reactions to Benn's statement:
"Just release the 250 page document that will show that you are innocent, then we all move on."
"Nobody has said you're innocnet apart from you and Eddie [Hearn]."
"Absolutely gutted for you bro. You've fought this with everything you have, but you are a fighter and no doubt will continue to fight your corner."
"But you weren't cleared by UKAD – which you initially claimed."
"You didn't know an appeal was coming? Seriously? It was obvious to everyone when you claimed that you were "cleared" that there would be an appeal."
"Unfortunately you haven't explained why it's in your system. You've been cleared to fight out of technicalities and lawyer stuff. But yet to explain why the drugs were in your system. That's what people need to know."
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