Conor Benn can finally step back into the ring. The 28-year-old welterweight boxer announced he's been cleared by the National Anti-Doping Panel, ending a two-year saga that put his career on hold.
Benn's troubles began in 2022 when he failed two doping tests for clomifene. The positive results led to the cancellation of his highly anticipated fight with Chris Eubank Jr in October of that year. Benn gave up his British Boxing license and couldn't fight in the UK.
During this period, Benn fought twice overseas. The ban was initially lifted by an independent panel, but it was reintroduced after an appeal by the British Boxing Board of Control and UK Anti-Doping Agency.
Benn took to social media to share the news of his clearance:
"I am thankful that after an incredibly challenging 2 years the National Anti-Doping Panel has today finally cleared me of any wrongdoing. 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."
The undefeated boxer maintained his innocence throughout the ordeal. He expressed gratitude to his supporters, family, friends, and sponsors Matchroom and Everlast for standing by him during this challenging time.
"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's clearance opens the door for his return to the ring. Boxing fans will wonder if the long-awaited showdown with Chris Eubank Jr might finally happen.
"I'm relieved to finally close this chapter and am excited to get back in the ring to realise my ultimate potential! Who wants it next!?"
With this chapter behind him, Benn can now focus on his boxing career and potentially make up for lost time in the welterweight division.
