CONOR Benn’s career prospects were dealt another blow last night after successful appeals by the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) and UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) were upheld.
A UKAD statement read: “UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) can today confirm that as of 7 May 2024, Mr Benn is once again subject to a Provisional Suspension in accordance with the UK Anti-Doping Rules.”
Benn, who is 23-0 (14 KOs) as a pro, re-entered the ring in September 2023 to fight Rodolfo Orozco in America before returning in February 2024 to defeat Peter Dobson. He has not competed in the UK since April 2022.
Benn was due to fight Chris Eubank Jr on October 8, 2022, in a huge rivalry designed to reignite the spirit of their famous fighting fathers, Nigel and Chris Sr.
Just as their dads managed in the 90s, the fight had captured the public’s imagination. That was until Benn tested positive for the fertility drug clomifene. He was formally suspended from boxing in March 2023.
In July 2023, Benn thought he would be free to resume his career following a decision handed down by a tribunal of the independent National Anti-Doping Panel. Both the BBBofC and UKAD separately appealed the decision.
“Mr Benn’s Provisional Suspension was reimposed by the appeal tribunal following the successful appeals,” last night’s UKAD statement continued.
“Mr Benn’s case remains before the independent National Anti-Doping Panel and the case will now progress in accordance with the UK Anti-Doping Rules. UKAD is not able to make any further public disclosures at this time.”
Meanwhile, Benn has been busy indulging in online scrapes and next-fight projections. Hot off the heels of Gervonta “Tank” Davis and Manny Pacquiao, the latest name linked is that of Ryan Garcia who was last seen defeating Devin Haney before becoming embroiled in a PED scandal of his own.