CONOR BENN has claimed his “innocence has been proven” as he prepares to “become world champion” in 2023.
The welterweight prospect failed TWO drug tests in the build-up to his historic catchweight clash with Chris Eubank Jr in October, which was ultimately scrapped.
Trace amounts of the female fertility drug Clomiphene – which can raise testosterone levels in men – were discovered in Benn’s system on both occasions.
The WBC are expected to return a verdict on their investigation by the end of the month.
Benn has protested his innocence ever since the findings became public two months ago.
And now he has taken to social media to open up about the impact the ordeal has had on his mental health.
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Speaking on Instagram, he said: “I want to start by saying this has been a very difficult time – not just for me, but my family and my team. I couldn’t have got through this without the love and support of those closest to me and my supporters who have stood by me, I am forever grateful.
“My team and I have worked extremely hard over the past seven years to make me the fighter I am today, we have never cut corners or cheated the grind in any way. We believe in work ethic, determination and pure heart to achieve what we have set out to accomplish.
“It’s been really hard for me to accept that people think that I would do what I was accused of but what I’ve come to realise is people rush to judgement, without knowing the facts especially people in the boxing community (and, most disappointingly, even those that know me).
“Although I’ve kept away from social media, I’m well aware of those who have thrown dirt on my name. I’ll forgive but I won’t forget.
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“Tony Sims has had a clean gym for 26 years, I respect the gym. No one is bigger than the gym! Hard work and dedication is what we stand for. We don’t condone cheating or cutting corners.
“I’m thankful to my dad who has been with me through this whole period and I’m glad this nightmare is coming to an end for the sake of our combined mental health.
“Never did we think we’d go through something like this but they say the hardest fight is life and the adversity it brings. I want to make up for lost time and not let another moment go to waste.”
Benn’s promoter Eddie Hearn recently revealed that his 147lb contender will be fighting “earlier than you think”.
And Benn, who boasts a professional record of 21 wins and no defeats, has now backed that up by insisting his aim is to win a world title next year.
The lengthy statement continued: “Boxing is my life. I’ve been through hardships in my career before but nothing like this, I believe in life you go through adversity of all kinds but what matters most is how you respond.
“I’ve stayed in the gym and continued to work extremely hard, staying positive that my innocence will be proven and the truth will come out.
“My team has proven my innocence and the truth will soon come out. Until then, I won’t be commenting further due to confidentiality.
“There were times I feared it never would but we all had faith. I’m thankful to everyone who has supported me through this tough time. tough times don’t last, tough people do. We keep it moving and will continue to chase the end goal of being world champion – it’s a minor setback for a major comeback.
“For now, I am looking forward to sharing Christmas privately with my family and I will be back in January. See you all in 2023, the year I become world champion!.”
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Benn last fought in April, stopping Chris van Heerden in the second round.
He then took the Eubank fight, only for the failed drug tests to eventually lead to its cancellation.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
