Conor Benn’s provisional suspension is lifted again

Conor Benn announced today on social media that the National Anti-Doping Panel (NADP) had “finally cleared” him of any wrongdoing regarding two separate failed tests in 2022.

Benn’s October 2022 clash with Chris Eubank Jnr was cancelled two days before it was scheduled to take place when news broke of Benn testing positive for clomiphene.

Though the WBC initially cleared Benn of any wrongdoing, he was placed under provisional suspension by United Kingdom Anti-Doping (UKAD) in March 2023 before the NADP lifted that suspension in July 2023. Benn, who has since fought twice in America, was then returned to a state of provisional suspension following a successful appeal by the British Boxing Board of Control and UKAD against that NAPD ruling.

Today Benn said: “I am thankful that after an incredibly challenging two 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. 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. I have stayed disciplined and focused despite the challenges faced which is a testament to my desire to be great. I’m relieved to finally close this chapter and am excited to get back in the ring to realise my ultimate potential.”

In response to Benn’s social media address, a spokesperson for UKAD said: “UKAD notes that professional boxer Mr Conor Benn has made public comments today regarding the outcome of proceedings before the independent National Anti-Doping Panel.

“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.”