BBBofC and UKAD’s newest ruling further sets back Conor Benn
Ever since Conor Benn’s positive test for clomifene back in 2022, the Brit has been vehemently trying to clear his name.
Yet 18 months on from the analytical finding, and the saga between Benn and the British Boxing Board of Control is still ongoing, and the Board (as well as UKAD) has now won its appeal against the National Anti-Doping Panel, to keep Conor from fighting in the UK.
Benn’s test result saw the cancellation of what could have been his breakthrough fight against born rival Chris Eubank Jr, causing him to go 18 months without a fight.
However, during the last six months we have seen the 27-year-old step through the ropes, across the pond, on two occasions, outpointing both Rodolfo Orozco and Peter Dobson in relatively underwhelming unanimous decision wins.
In recent weeks, ‘The Destroyer’s’ name has been mentioned for a mammoth showdown against pound-for-pound legend Manny Pacquiao, a bout that Eddie Hearn even suggested could take place on British shores, bringing ‘Pac-Man’ to Old Blighty for the first time as a professional.
Although, that proposal appears to be a non-starter now, as the BBBofC and UKAD have successfully appealed the National Anti-Doping Panel’s decision to lift Benn’s suspension, as reported by the Daily Mail.
“It is believed a decision was communicated last week by the National Anti-Doping Panel, who had cleared Benn to resume boxing in this country back in July. That was challenged by the Board of Control and UKAD, with both parties confirming in August that they were planning to contest the NADP ruling.
“Mail Sport understands they have been successful in that protracted process, though it is currently unclear whether the outcome of the appeal could lead to Benn’s British-based suspension being reimposed.”
For now, the WBC #3 welterweight remains without a British Boxing licence after he revoked it in frustration during the aftermath of his test. Therefore, any possible Pacquiao-Benn contest would likely take place in Saudi Arabia.