Eddie Hearn feels Conor Benn has been villainised unfairly
Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has spoken out about what he sees as different treatment for Conor Benn and Dillian Whyte over their respective positive drug tests.
Whyte failed his last summer just ahead of a fight with Anthony Joshua but has since cleared his name after an independent investigation and got back in action last weekend when he stopped Christian Hammer in the third round, although he had to fight in Ireland on a US license.
Benn’s failed test was in October 2022 ahead of a fight with Chris Eubank Jr. Since then he has failed to fully clear his name and get a license from the British Boxing Board of Control so has had to fight twice in the United States as he awaits the outcome of a hearing.
Speaking to Seconds Out, Hearn spoke of the differences between how the two have been treated in his eyes.
“I mean it’s nearly two years now since the failed drug test. I don’t think a day has passed where it hasn’t been discussed online.
“Dillian failed in a massively hard profile fight and it barely got a mention. He did his work and I’m glad to see him back in the ring.
“To be fair, Connor didn’t play his hand perfectly in the situation, he’s a young man, very emotional, Dillian has been through the process before.
“Conor was a little bit lost at times but anyone can see the way that he has been treated is much different. It is what it is, he’s fought since, Conor’s had two fights. Dilliian’s back in the ring, hopefully we see Conor back in the ring soon. ”
Since his return, Whyte has called out Joe Joyce while Conor Benn has been linked with a fight with future Hall of Famer Manny Pacquaio.