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Conor Benn Hopes of Fighting in the UK Crushed by UKAD

The National Anti-Doping Panel had initially given Benn the green light in July to resume boxing domestically, but this decision faced opposition from the Board of Control and UKAD

Conor Benn Hopes of Fighting in the UK Crushed by UKAD
Conor Benn Hopes of Fighting in the UK Crushed by UKAD

Conor Benn's potential comeback to boxing in the UK could face obstacles following a successful appeal by UK Anti-Doping and the British Boxing Board of Control against a decision to end his temporary ban.

The National Anti-Doping Panel had initially given Benn the green light in July to resume boxing domestically, but this decision faced opposition from the Board of Control and UKAD. Both entities announced their intention to challenge the NADP's decision in August.

This lengthy appeal process has resulted in favour of the Board and UKAD, though it's still uncertain if this will result in the reinstatement of Benn's suspension in the UK. The next steps in this ongoing saga, which began with the revelation in October 2022 of Benn's two positive tests for the prohibited substance clomifene, might include taking the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Benn was, however, put back in the WBC rankings in February 2023.

Comments were declined by both the Board of Control and UKAD, while Benn's team maintains that he is not currently suspended and is eligible to compete.

Benn, asserting that the positive tests were due to accidental contamination, has since fought in the US under foreign licenses. Yet, he hasn't competed in the UK since April 2022 and relinquished his British license amid the controversy, leading to ongoing disputes with the Board.

The Board insists Benn should not receive a license to fight in the UK until there's a clear account of how the clomifene was ingested.

Benn had initially celebrated the NADP's July verdict as confirmation of his innocence, although reports at the time suggested the hearing didn't thoroughly investigate the scientific evidence.

Benn's defence also reportedly challenged UKAD's jurisdiction over tests conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association.

While Benn has vocalised his want to fight many figures across the globe in a plea to build his reputation back up, there is no fight more in demand than Benn v Eubank Jr. Here at betting.bet, we will be sure to keep you in the loop on the latest in the Benn v Eubank Jr developments.