Whether Conor Benn intentionally used clomiphene, a hormone and metabolism modifier that can increase testosterone levels, remains to be seen. It remains a secondary concern of the incident based on the findings in his system.
BoxingScene understands Benn, more than two years after failing two tests, It remains to be explained to drug enforcement agencies why clomiphene was found in his body on two separate days. More than five weeks apart in 2022, perhaps more importantly, he hasn’t been asked to, and it’s increasingly likely he won’t.
Last week was the third time in two years that Benn announced he was ready to fight again. The social media address comes six months after he was temporarily banned for a second time, nine months after he pointed to Peter. Dobson in Las Vegas, 14 months after Rodolfo Orozco was sentenced in Orlando, 19 months after he was temporarily banned for his first sexual assault and 25 months after his London date with Chris Eubank Jnr was canned because Benn failed two performance-enhancing drug tests at Separately, it is operated by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA).
Before the National Anti-Doping Commission’s (NADP) ruling on November 6, it was “not satisfied” that the UK Anti-Doping Agency (UKAD) had proven that Benn had committed a breach. Anti-doping violation And the latest temporary suspension has been lifted. The fighter’s name occupies a lofty position in all four welterweight rankings, however, the 28-year-old hasn’t fought at 147 pounds since he fought Chris Van Heerden 31 months ago. Already, victories over Dobson and Orozco came in the junior middleweight division.
One of those rating agencies – WBC – ‘cleared’ Benn in February 2023 when they considered the possibility that excessive egg consumption might be the cause of clomiphene. appears in his system Although Benn a few weeks later disputed that situation in a statement instead. It is claimed that contamination occurred during testing of his samples.
The first VADA test was conducted on 25 July 2022 as part of the WBC’s Clean Boxing Program (which is the only test reviewed by the WBC) and before the Eubank Jnr fight was signed. on September 1, after agreeing to that fight on October 6. Benn later passed at least one test conducted by UKAD.
On 15 March 2023, he was temporarily suspended by UKAD for failing both tests. NAPD lifted the suspension in July 2023 after an appeal. This questioned the legality of UKAD making the decision regarding the tests carried out by VADA and then taking up the position again in May 2024 following a successful appeal by UKAD and the committee. British Boxing Regulation (BBBoC) opposes NAPD’s decision.
BoxingScene understands NADP’s latest decision is the result of procedural concerns with testing. After the trial Benn said on social media: “As a man of God I hold no ill will towards UKAD or the British Boxing Board of Control. We share a common ambition for clean sport. And I hope to reconcile with committee and move forward together.”
This is despite both UKAD and BBBoC confirming that the Benn suspension has been discontinued. But none were quick to respond to the fighters’ goodwill. “UKAD will carefully review the panel’s appeal rights under UK anti-doping rules,” a UKAD spokesperson said. He has 21 days from that Nov. 6 decision to appeal.
The committee is now at the mercy of UKAD regarding its decision on this matter. It states in part: “BBBoC refers to a statement published in response by UKAD… We are considering our position. All inquiries regarding this matter should be directed to UK Anti-Doping.”
Therefore, it may be concluded that After both sides reached a satisfactory conclusion with substantial costs. This is not an outcome that either side would consider. Both UKAD and BBBoC – after being privy to the finer details of Benn’s case – should be convinced of his innocence. So why did they go to such lengths to oppose the previous clearing? In the end There is no division at Benn that is a high-selling fighter. There should not be any movement. If no wrongdoing has occurred
But what shouldn’t be overlooked in all of this is that Benn has now been cleared three times. (Regardless of whether he is cleared of any wrongdoing or cleared to fight Two completely different things. We still need to decode); Twice by NAPD and once by WBC, although the rating agency’s decision was taken out of context.
However, the two NADP rulings, especially the latest one, Further investigation should be called for. To make that happen Benn must approve the disclosure of the case.
Accompanying the UKAD statement was the following note: “In accordance with Section 8.5.2 of the UK Anti-Doping Rules, UKAD cannot disclose decisions of the National Anti-Doping Committee that are freedom to the public at this time without the consent of Mr. Benn.”
Benn vehemently claimed his innocence throughout. The fact that he passed at least one UKAD test during that time is rarely reported. Therefore, there is still a possibility that the testing process will go wrong. And the reason why there was a dark cloud covering him for the past two years. And if so Only a deeper understanding of this case can prevent something like this from happening again.
Additionally, because of Benn’s wealth, he was able to pay the industry’s top lawyers to fight his case. Not many boxers can boast of such financial resources. For the benefit of all boxers and the desire to play a clean and fair sport. We hope the precise reasons why Benn was cleared will be made public record. If the testing process goes wrong This is a broader issue than just boxing.
What’s even more worrying, as always, is how influential people in sports conducted themselves without fear of reprimand throughout this sorry story. Latest in October It was three weeks before the suspension was lifted again. Benn was invited to join the Saudi ring to spark interest in fighting Eubank Jr. No one knows what other sport would bring in an athlete suspended for failing a drug test. Work together
Matt Christie, a lifelong boxing fan who worked in the boxing industry for more than 20 years, has passed away. boxing news in 2024, after 14 years, nine of which were spent as managing editor. Before that, he was producer of the weekly boxing show KOTV, now co-host of opening bell podcast and is regularly used by Sky Sports in the UK as an expert. Matt was named Expert Reporter of the Year at the prestigious Sports Journalism Awards in 2021, the seventh annual SJA Awards. He received during his hot tenure at boxing news– The following year he was inducted into the British Boxing Hall of Fame. He is a member of BWAA and has won several annual screenwriting awards.
