Conor Benn cleared
Conor Benn has now been cleared by UKAD over his two positive VADA drugs tests before the cancelled Chris Eubank Jr fight last year, so he is now free to fight in the UK once again.
The 26-year-old welterweight tested positive for the banned PED clomifene in two seperate drugs tests last year, from samples taken on July 25 and September 1, 2022.
The unbeaten star from Essex always protested his innocence vehemently and initially argued that lab contaminations were the cause, then an independant investigation by the WBC (World Boxing Council) resulted in an elevated consuption of contanimated eggs was the explanation, which Benn refuted.
Then Benn and the BBBofC became embroiled in a battle, with the British Board refusing his license in the UK, even intervening in plans for fights overseas, warning any BBBofC licensed boxers that there will be repercussions and santcions for involvements with Benn.
Conor eventually cooperated with the UKAD investigation and faced a hearing with the National Anti-Doping Panel.
UKAD's statement:
“In April 2023 UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) took the exceptional step of publicly disclosing details of Mr Conor Benn’s provisional suspension and charge following reports from the media and comments made by Mr Benn himself. UKAD’s statement also confirmed that the case would follow the Results Management process in accordance with the UK Anti-Doping Rules.
“UKAD notes that Mr Benn has made further public comments today regarding proceedings before the independent National Anti-Doping Panel. UKAD can confirm Mr Benn is no longer provisionally suspended under the UK Anti-Doping Rules.
“The UK Anti-Doping Rules detail limited circumstances in which UKAD is able to make public disclosures about ongoing cases. They also set out a clear process within which cases can be heard and decisions can be handed down by the independent National Anti-Doping Panel. Where case decisions are handed down by a panel, the Rules provide all relevant parties with a right of appeal. Under the Rules, UKAD has 21 days from the date of receipt of a decision to file any appeal. UKAD carefully reviews all decisions in its cases before deciding whether to exercise its right of appeal.
“UKAD is not able to make any further public disclosures in accordance with the UK Anti-Doping Rules at this time.”
Benn's statement:
“Today marks the end of the of a gruelling 10 month process, during which the WBC had already decided that I was innocent of any wrongdoing.
“After a hearing with the National Anti-Doping Panel and UKAD, I have now been vindicated for the second time.
“Hopefully the public and various members of the media can now understand why I have maintained my innocence so strongly all the way through.
“The UKAD process has now formally ended, and I remain free to fight.
“Naturally I am pleased that I can now put this behind me once and for all.
“As you can imagine the last 10 months have weighed heavily on me and I am anxious that if this happened to me it could potentially happen to any honest, dedicated and clean athlete like me.
“I would like to thank my fans that have kept the faith when many have turned against me, as well as my team, Matchroom, my friends and family, sponsors and also my legal team, all of whom have shared a belief in me and a commitment to ensuring the correct result being obtained and justice being achieved.
“Only with the strength of all this support have I been able to continue during this challenging time.
“I now intend to put this matter behind me and look forward. Which begins with fighting as soon as possible so I can remind everyone who I am.”
BBBofC's statement
“The British Boxing Board of Control is aware that Conor Benn issued a public statement today, 28th July 2023, in relation to proceedings between UK Anti-Doping and him. The BBBofC refers to the statement published in response by UKAD at Statement from UK Anti-Doping on Conor Benn VADA test | UK Anti-Doping (ukad.org.uk) (statement issued above).
“The BBBofC will provide a further statement if and when able to do so. All enquiries regarding this matter should be directed to UK Anti-Doping.”
Conor Benn tipped for world titles next year after all-clear
Conor Benn has been tipped to become a world champion next year after finally boeing cleared to return to boxing.
Benn has been out the ring for ten months, stalling his charge towards a world crown, and he is 16/1 to get a title before the end of 2023.
BonusCodeBets make him a more likely 4/1 to emulate dad Nigel by winning a world title in 2024.And the rescheduling of his postponed mouthwatering clash with Chris Eubank Jr is just 6/4 to take place before the end of this year.
Eubank is odds on to win that grudge match with Benn a 5/2 outsider.
Conor Benn odds via BonusCodeBets
To win world title in 2023: 16/1
To win world title in 2024: 4/1
Benn v Eubank Jr to happen in 2023: 6/4
To win:
Benn: 5/2
Eubank Jr: 1/3
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