Conor Benn cleared of cheating after investigation into two failed drug tests
Conor Benn is free to resume his boxing career after he was cleared by a UK Anti-Doping investigation into the two failed drugs tests that forced the cancellation of his fight with Chris Eubank Jr.
Benn was formally charged by UKAD in April after twice testing positive for the female fertility drug clomifene in the build-up to October’s domestic catchweight showdown. But the 26-year-old, son of British great Nigel Benn, revealed on social media that the charge has been dismissed by the drugs agency.
The fighter said "Today marks the end of the of a gruelling 10 month process, during which the WBC had already decided that I was innocent of any wrongdoing. After a hearing with the National Anti-Doping Panel and UKAD, I have now been vindicated for the second time.
"Hopefully the public and various members of the media can now understand why I have maintained my innocence so strongly all the way through. The UKAD process has now formally ended, and I remain free to fight. Naturally I am pleased that I can now put this behind me once and for all.
"As you can imagine the last 10 months have weighed heavily on me and I am anxious that if this happened to me it could potentially happen to any honest, dedicated and clean athlete like me. I would like to thank my fans that have kept the faith when many have turned against me, as well as my team, Matchroom, my friends and family, sponsors.
Conor Benn vs Manny Pacquiao "being discussed" despite Brit's drug test failures
"And also my legal team, all of whom have shared a belief in me and a commitment to ensuring the correct result being obtained and justice being achieved. Only with the strength of all this support have I been able to continue during this challenging time. I now intend to put this matter behind me and look forward. Which begins with fighting as soon as possible so I can remind everyone who I am."
Benn will re-enter the WBC rankings and is expected to return to the ring as soon as September, with a number of potential opponents lined up. Matchroom have been in talks with fighters across the divisions, including working towards a sensational comeback for Manny Pacquiao.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has stood by Conor Benn amid the scandal (Getty Images)Are you excited for Conor Benn's comeback? Let us know who you think he should fight in the comments section below!
The son of a legend was due to fight Chris Eubank Jr last October, but days before the fight it was leaked that he had returned multiple adverse findings in pre-fight drug testing. After exhausting all options promoters pulled the fight, although many felt the damage had been done by their efforts to continue with the bout.
Benn has tested positive for amounts of a fertility drug, clomiphene - which is known to elevate testosterone levels in men in tests of his urine. But he continued to maintain his innocence and is now keen to reignite his boxing career, where he was working toward welterweight gold.
Unfortunately for both families, who have a long-time rivalry dating back to a series of fights between dads Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank, the grudge match will have to wait going forward. Eubank Jr has already signed up to a September rematch with Liam Smith after he was knocked out by the Liverpool native last year.
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