Conor Benn, who was scheduled to face Chris Eubank Jr in his 22nd boxing bout, unfortunately, was banned from using illegal substances. However, now that the ban has been lifted, Benn is set to resume his professional boxing career.
Eddie Hearn, Conor’s promoter, has expressed optimism about Conor’s comeback and teased a potential September fight for the young boxer. The Briton has also started training ahead of his return bout.
UKAD approved Conor Benn to fight in the UK after his negative drug tests
The undefeated welterweight boxer faced a challenging time after testing positive twice for Clomifene, a testosterone-altering medication. It became a nightmare in his life over the past few months.
However, there is a glimmer of hope as UK Anti-Doping and Matchroom Sports have shared an official statement confirming that Conor has been completely cleared of all allegations.
🚨 BREAKING NEWS 🚨
Conor Benn has been cleared by UKAD in relation to his positive drugs tests and is now free to fight in the UK ‼️#ConorBenn | #BoxingNews pic.twitter.com/spROjXfjbG
— IFL TV (@IFLTV) July 28, 2023
Conor, son of Nigel Benn took to Twitter to express his relief upon hearing the good news after months of trial and struggle. Benn hopes that the public and media now understand why he maintained his innocence throughout the entire process.
“Today marks the end of a grueling 10-month process, during which the WBC had already decided I was innocent of any wrongdoing. After a hearing with the National-Doping Agency Panel and Ukad, I have now been vindicated for the second time. ” Benn said.
Conor Benn on Instagram today… pic.twitter.com/0NyGckxzgK
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) August 1, 2023
Eddie Hearn teases Conor Benn comeback in September
In a recent interview, Eddie Hearn, Conor’s promoter, mentioned his desire for Conor to return to the ring in September. Hearn believes that due to Conor’s 16-month absence from boxing, he should be placed directly into a significant fight, emphasizing the importance of a high-profile matchup for the talented boxer.
“He’s ready to rip someone’s head off. When you talk about how low he’s been, there’s some people who are like ‘he deserves it, who cares?’ But what he’s been through would break most men.” Eddie said.
‼️ Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn is now “pretty much agreed” for September, Eddie Hearn has confirmed. [@IFLTV]
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) June 17, 2023
Hearn reiterated that Benn has fully complied with all requests made of him while emphasizing the importance of respecting Conor’s efforts in proving his innocence.
“He has an international license to box but I would like him to box in the UK. If they (BBBofC) appealed, that would slow down the process. A lot of people will be trying to convince them to [appeal].” Eddie added.
Full video from @MatchroomBoxing as Eddie Hearn reacts to Conor Benn being cleared by UKAD.https://t.co/AQU8tQ7uFJ
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) July 28, 2023
The British promoter also pointed out that the 26-year-old boxer’s clearance came not just once but twice, highlighting that the WBC and Vada, the entities that controlled the tests, explicitly cleared him of any wrongdoing.
As Conor is now fresh, motivated, and fit as a fiddle as per Eddie. Do you think the youngster will be able to shine in the ring once again? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section.
