Conor Benn charged over failed drugs test and could face two-year boxing ban

CONOR BENN has been charged by UK Anti-Doping over his failed drugs test as the boxer vowed to ‘start the process’ to clear his name.

Following two failed summer Voluntary Anti-Doping Association tests, an October catchweight clash with Chris Eubank Jr was cancelled.

The WBC dropped their investigation into the traces of clomifene and blamed contaminated eggs.

But Team Benn believes the lab that processed his tests is at fault and has now handed Ukad a 270-page document in his bid to beat a two-year ban.

However the 26-year-old son of ring legend Nigel still believes the British Boxing Board of Control have an agenda against him and is not interested in regaining his licence here.

Following news that Benn was handed a provisional Ukad suspension on May 15 and charged a month later, he said: “Another day, another attempt to create a headline with my name.

“I am involved in a confidential procedure and I have respected my confidentiality obligations.

“Yet each day brings a new leak and a misrepresentation of what’s actually happening

“There is no news. Being “charged” is a start of a process by which an athlete has to defend themselves. 

“I have not been sanctioned by anyone & I’m not banned from boxing.

“I remain free to fight in events that are not sanctioned by the BBBoC. I don’t even have a BBBoC licence.”

Such procedures are usually confidential, such as the recent case with Amir Khan who failed a post-fight test 14 months ago and was only just served with a two-year ban.

But, following intense speculation and social media posts from Benn on Wednesday, Ukad have released a statement that said: “Following reports in the media and comments made by professional boxer Mr Conor Benn on Tuesday 18 April 2023, and in exceptional circumstances, UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) confirms that Mr Benn was notified and provisionally suspended by UKAD on 15 March 2023 in accordance with the UK Anti-Doping Rules. 

“Whilst provisionally suspended Mr Benn is prohibited from participating in any capacity (or assisting another Athlete in any capacity) in a Competition, Event or activity that is organised, convened, authorised or recognised by the British Boxing Board of Control or any other World Anti-Doping Code-compliant sport.

“UKAD can also confirm that on 3 April 2023 it charged Mr Benn with an Article 2.2 violation for the alleged Use of a Prohibited Substance (clomifene). The charge against Mr Benn is pending and will now follow the Results Management process in accordance with the UK Anti-Doping Rules.

“UKAD issues this statement in accordance with its Policy on Public disclosure of provisional suspensions and charges and Articles 7.10.7 and 7.11.5 of the UK Anti-Doping Rules. UKAD will not be providing any further comment at this stage.”

The Board, who employ Ukad to handle all of their doping policing and policies, said: “The BBBoC can confirm that Conor Benn has been charged by UKAD with an Article 2.2 violation for the alleged Use of a Prohibited Substance.

“The BBBoC relies upon UKAD to ensure that professional boxers comply with the UKAD Rules (as incorporated into the BBBoC’s Rules and Regulations), and awaits the outcome of the UKAD process in due course. 

“The BBBoC will not be making any further comment at this time.”

There is no news. Being “charged” is a start of a process by which an athlete has to defend themselves. 

Conor Benn

Benn and promoter Eddie Hearn have been exploring the idea of resuming his career in Abu Dhabi.

But now charges have been brought against Benn and Ukad work in conjunction with the World Anti-Doping Agency, that move could be kyboshed.

The Board have contacted a number of foreign commissions and warned them against hosting a Benn bout.

And any British licence holder involved – like trainer Tony Sims, promoter Hearn or potential opponent Eubank Jr – could be fined or suspended.

And Hearn is furious that so many details about Benn’s case are being made public.

He told IFL: “Why do all the media know before me? Yet in Amir Khan’s situation, for 14 months nobody knew?

“Someone from the Board or Ukad have told the media, there is no other explanation for it.

“What can Ukad ban him from? He doesn’t have a BBBofC licence.

“Ukad have everything they need now, they have the 270-page document, that should keep people happy.

“But do you honestly think Conor Benn is going to get a fair hearing? Please.”

Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk