- Benn failed two drugs tests in 2022 and had his fight with Eubank Jr cancelled
- He has now claimed he has been ‘cleared of any wrongdoing’ and is free to fight
British boxing star Conor Benn has released a statement claiming he has been ‘cleared of any wrongdoing’ after failing multiple drugs tests in 2022.
Benn, 28, tested positive for the banned substance clomifene in two separate tests ahead of his grudge match with Chris Eubank Jr, leading to the October 2022 bout being cancelled just 48 hours before it was due to take place.
He has maintained his innocence ever since, and following an investigation by the National Anti-Doping Panel (NADP), Benn believes he has been vindicated.
A statement from Benn read: ‘I am thankful that after an incredibly challenging 2 years the National Anti-Doping Panel has today finally cleared me of any wrongdoing.
‘This past 24 months has unquestionably been the toughest fight of my life. A rollercoaster period within which the WBC has already decided that I was innocent and the NADP decided in the first case that there was no case to answer and I was free to fight.
Conor Benn has claimed he’s been ‘cleared of any wrongdoing’ after failing two drugs tests
The failed tests led to his bout with Chris Eubank Jr being cancelled in 2022, but he has maintained his innocence over the last two years
Benn and Eubank Jr could finally face each other next year after going face to face in Saudi Arabia last month
Benn released a lengthy statement on Wednesday afternoon, insisting he is now ready to ‘close this chapter’ and move on with his career
‘As someone who is so passionate about boxing and an advocate for clean sport, I hope now I have been cleared it can be understood why I have 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.
‘I am relieved to finally close this chapter and am excited to get back in the ring to realise my ultimate potential.
‘Who wants it next!?’
Benn relinquished his British boxing licence just days after his fight with Eubank Jr was scrapped two years ago, and he was charged by UKAD in April 2023 for his failed tests.
But Benn insisted he had done nothing wrong and originally blamed the positive tests on excessive egg consumption before his team claimed they could have been down to accidental contamination.
He was cleared by UKAD in July 2023, but a subsequent appeal meant his suspension was reimposed. As a result, Benn has not fought in the UK since April 2022.
He has had two low-key fights in the US since his failed tests, winning both on points to extend his unbeaten record to 23-0.
Now, Benn could finally return to fight on British shores, and he got into the ring to call out Eubank Jr after his fellow Brit won in Saudi Arabia last month.
That appears likely to be Benn’s next fight, but he has also named American pair Gevonta Davis and Devin Haney as potential opponents for a mega-fight in 2025.
