It was confirmed on Thursday that undefeated welterweight Conor Benn has been cleared to fight in the U.K. after United Kingdom Anti-Doping ended their two-year battle with the fighter over a pair of failed drug tests.
Earlier this month, it was announced that the National Anti-Doping Panel was “not completely satisfied” that Benn had intentionally broken any rules concerning performance-enhancing drugs during training for an aborted bout with Chris Eubank Jr. in 2022.
While UKAD had the right to appeal that decision, they have elected not to pursue the matter any further and neither will the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC).
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“UKAD has completed its review of the decision of the independent National Anti-Doping Panel (NADP) dated 6 November 2024 concerning professional boxer Mr Conor Benn,” read a statement on the agency’s website. “Following the expiry of UKAD’s appeal deadline yesterday, we can confirm that UKAD has decided not to file an appeal with the National Anti-Doping Panel.
“As with all anti-doping cases and in accordance with the UK Anti-Doping Rules, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has a separate right of appeal and an extended deadline to file any appeal.”
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— Conor Nigel Benn (@ConorNigel) November 28, 2024
Other than a brief “hush” emoji on social media, Benn has yet to fully address UKAD’s decision. However, the welterweight star did express his feeling following the NADP verdict.
“I am thankful that after an incredibly challenging two years, the National Anti-Doping Panel has today finally cleared me of any wrongdoing,” said Benn on social media last week via The Sun.
“The past 24 months have unquestionably been the toughest fight of my life. A rollercoaster period within which the WBC had already decided that I was innocent and the NADP decided in the first instance that there was no case to answer and I was free to fight.
“As someone who is passionate about boxing and an advocate for clean sport, I hope now that I have been cleared it can be understood why I maintained my innocence so strongly throughout.
“As a man of God, I bear no ill will toward UKAD or the British Boxing Board of Control. We have a shared ambition of a clean sport and I look forward to reconciling with the Board and moving forward together.”
Benn has had two fights since a temporary suspension was issued, winning two decisions on U.S. soil. However, he has been unable to secure the big-money fights he craved due to the sanctions applied by the BBBoC.
With the case closed, Benn, 28, is expected to continue his career in earnest.
Who will Conor Benn fight next?
Conor Benn recently called out WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on social media.
“Hey Barrios, I hope that everything is good,” said Benn, in Spanish, in a video posted on social media via BoxingScene. “I am ready for this fight. I’m sure it’s going to be a great night for the fans.
“Here in London or there in America, I’m ready. I’m coming prepared. Notify my team if you are. Let’s go.”
When will Conor Benn fight?
While there is no date in place for the proposed Mario Barrios fight, rumors abound that Benn could finally face white-hot rival Chris Eubank Jr. in a middleweight bout during the first quarter of 2025.
What drug did Conor Benn test positive for?
Benn tested positive for a female fertility drug named clomifene. This substance has been banned by WADA because it is known to increase testosterone levels in men.
The son of former two-weight world champion and boxing legend Nigel Benn has always denied taking performance-enhancing drugs.
