British boxing board respond to Conor Benn’s doping suspension being lifted  as controversial star targets blockbuster return TWO YEARS after Mail Sport exclusively revealed his failed drugs tests

The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) have issued a short statement on Conor Benn’s future after the controversial fighter had his doping suspension lifted. 

Benn has been under a cloud since Mail Sport revealed in October 2022 that the banned substance clomifene had twice been detected in his samples.

However, on Wednesday the 28-year-old was reprieved as his doping suspension was overturned in a shock twist in the two-year saga over two positive drugs tests.

Clearing Benn of charges, the National Anti-Doping Panel ruled in the boxer’s favour, saying they were ‘not comfortably satisfied’ that UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) had proved Benn committed a violation of the rules.

Now the BBBofC have spoken out for the first time since the ruling, but remained coy on Benn’s return to the ring with UKAD now having 21 days to consider an appeal.

Benn has had his previous doping suspension lifted in the latest twist in the two-year saga

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

Despite Benn’s confidence that he could soon be back in the ring – targeting a dream fight against Chris Eubank Jr that was previously cancelled after failed drugs tests – the BBBofC revealed they are still ‘considering’ all options. 

The statement began: ‘The British Boxing Board of Control is aware that Conor Benn issued a public statement on 6th November 2024, in relation to proceedings between UK Anti-Doping and him.

‘The BBBofC refers to the statement published in response by Ukad. We are considering our position. All enquiries regarding this matter should be directed to UK Anti-Doping.’ 

The organisation’s announcement comes after UKAD issued their own statement, announcing earlier in the week: ‘UKAD can confirm that it received the decision of the independent National Anti-Doping Panel this afternoon. 

‘The Panel concluded that it was ‘not comfortably satisfied’ that UKAD had proved that Mr Benn had committed an Anti-Doping Rule Violation for the Use of clomifene. 

‘The provisional suspension previously in place has been lifted and the charge against him has been consequently dismissed.

‘UKAD will now carefully review the panel’s decision in accordance with its appeal rights under the UK Anti-Doping Rules.’

Benn is evidently feeling positive that the saga that has dismantled his career is now over, previously announcing on social media: ‘I am thankful that after an incredibly challenging two years the National Anti-Doping Panel has finally cleared me of any wrongdoing.

Benn is now eager to return to the ring for a blockbuster contests after having his career derailed 

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

‘This past 24 months has 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 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.’

Benn, who has had two low-key fights in the US since his failed tests after relinquishing his British Boxing Board of Control licence at the height of the situation, is targeting fights bouts with Gevonta Davis, Devin Haney and Chris Eubank Jr.