Ringside in Philadelphia this weekend, Conor Benn introduced he was again and prepared for large fights with no warm-up.
Benn defeated Peter Dobson in Las Vegas in February, 5 months after outscoring Rodolfo Orozco in Orlando.
He has not boxed within the UK since his April 2022 win over Chris van Heerden however had been as a result of combat Chris Eubank later within the yr earlier than anti-doping checks revealed clomifene in his system. A protracted, high-priced authorized wrangle ensued, with Benn claiming innocence each step of the best way.
“It’s utterly over. It’s been a blessing for me to say I’ve been cleared of any wrongdoing, not as soon as, not twice however thrice and I’m excited to get my profession again on the highway,” he instructed DAZN in Philadelphia. “It’s been a very long time coming, it’s been a protracted two years. I’ve been by hell and again, however I’m able to remind everybody why I’m one of the best 147 on the planet. And I’m able to show that.
“For me personally I desire a world title, the WBC world title, that’s the winner of [Mario] Barrios and [Abel] Ramos. That’s the combat I actually need. If Jaron Ennis needs to combat at 147, I’m, No. 2, he’s No. 1, we will get that on. You wish to problem your self towards one of the best. Anybody who’s bought the belts, I need it.
“If [Chris] Eubank needs it and he actually needs it and he doesn’t muck about, he can get it. I’ll come as much as 160, give him beating, drop again all the way down to 147 and combat for the world titles. I’m assured in that combat not going previous 4 rounds.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn stated he was equally excited to welcome Benn again into the combo, and he hoped to have the ability to land Benn a championship combat – and presumably in England.
“This man refused to go down a simple route and check out an settle for a punishment that he didn’t deserve and didn’t warrant, and he’s stayed true to the trigger, and it’s most likely value him a little bit of time, however in the long run, to be fully-cleared, is a improbable outcome,” stated Hearn. “That’s all prior to now now.”
Final week, the British Boxing Board of Management issued a press release that learn: “The British Boxing Board of Management is conscious that Conor Benn issued a public assertion on 6th November 2024, in relation to proceedings between UK Anti-Doping and him. The BBBofC refers back to the assertion printed in response by UKAD at Assertion from UK Anti-Doping concerning Conor Benn/UK Anti-Doping. We’re contemplating our place. All enquiries concerning this matter needs to be directed to UK Anti-Doping.”
UKAD had responded to Benn’s announcement that he had been cleared final week with a spokesman saying: “UKAD notes that skilled boxer Mr Conor Benn has made public feedback immediately concerning the result of proceedings earlier than the unbiased Nationwide Anti-Doping Panel. UKAD can verify that it acquired the choice of the unbiased Nationwide Anti-Doping Panel this afternoon. The Panel concluded that it was ‘not comfortably glad’ that UKAD had proved that Mr Benn had dedicated an Anti-Doping Rule Violation for the Use of clomifene. The Provisional Suspension beforehand in place has been lifted and the cost towards him has been consequently dismissed.
“UKAD will now rigorously evaluate the Panel’s resolution in accordance with its enchantment rights below the UK Anti-Doping Guidelines.”
