Conor Benn is free to fight, as the welterweight boxer announced on Friday. However, UKAD has since revealed they could appeal the decision.
A National Anti-Doping Panel lifted Benn’s provisional UKAD suspension, allowing Been to continue his career immediately. UKAD has 21 days to decide what action to take.
Benn tested positive twice for the female fertility drug clomifene in July and September. Those results are not disputed, even by Benn’s legal team. The only bone of contention is how the substances got into Benn’s system on two separate occasions in different testing procedures.
The World Boxing Council suggested overconsumption of eggs might be the culprit when they restored Benn to its ratings in March. The WBC has since removed Benn for inactivity.
Although Benn rejected this theory, “The Destroyer” has maintained his innocence as a clean athlete. He insists the WBC’s possible explanation and the Doping Panel’s recommendation to life his temporary suspension is the correct result and a vindication of any wrongdoing.
Conor Benn claims vindication
One year and three days after his first positive test, the 26-year-old commented on a challenging time for his fans, sponsors, and coaching team.
“After a hearing with the National Anti-Doping Panel and UKAD, I have now been vindicated for the second time.
“Hopefully, the public and various media members can now understand why I have maintained my innocence so strongly all the way through.
“The UKAD process has now formally ended. I remain free to fight. Naturally, I am pleased that I can now put this behind me once and for all.”
In response, UKAD released its own statement later that day.
“In April 2023, UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) took the exceptional step of publicly disclosing details of Mr. Conor Benn’s provisional suspension and charge. This followed reports from the media and comments made by Mr. Benn himself,” a UKAD spokesperson said.
“UKAD’s statement also confirmed that the case would follow the Results Management process in accordance with the UK Anti-Doping Rules.
“UKAD notes that Mr. Benn has made further public comments today regarding proceedings before the independent National Anti-Doping Panel. UKAD can confirm Mr. Benn is no longer provisionally suspended under the UK Anti-Doping Rules.”
Appeal by UKAD
On launching an appeal over the ruling, UKAD added: “The UK Anti-Doping Rules detail limited circumstances in which UKAD is able to make public disclosures about ongoing cases.
“They also set out a clear process within which cases can be heard, and decisions can be handed down by the independent National Anti-Doping Panel.
“Where case decisions are handed down by a panel, the Rules provide all relevant parties with a right of appeal.
“Under the Rules, UKAD has 21 days from the date of receipt of a decision to file any appeal. UKAD carefully reviews all decisions in its cases before deciding whether to exercise its right of appeal.
“UKAD is not able to make any further public disclosures in accordance with the UK Anti-Doping Rules at this time.”
It’s unclear whether Benn will attempt to reapply for a British Boxing Board of Control license. However, judging by his comments against the Board, that looks like a doubtful prospect.
The Board would only refer to UKAD’s statement on Benn, which puts them in a position to wait until after any appeal.
Benn’s promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom, hopes to stage a comeback event for Benn this September before the biggest names after a clash with Chris Eubank Jr. failed to materialize.
Eubank will instead face Liam Smith again on September 2 in Manchester.
Phil Jay is an experienced boxing news writer.
