Welterweight contender Conor Benn is standing firm that he is innocent in the wake of the controversy surrounding his two failed drug tests in connection with a scheduled fight against Chris Eubank Jr.

The two fighters were set to collide in October, but the entire event was called off when news broke that Benn tested positive for a banned substance in a drug test administered by VADA back in September.

It was later revealed, and confirmed by Benn, that a second test - administered back in July - had also come up positive for the same banned substance.

Benn is currently being investigated over the two failed tests - with the British Boxing Board of Control, UK-Anti Doping and the WBC evaluating the situation.

A decision on Benn's future may come by the end of the month.

"I want to start by saying this has been a very difficult time - not just for me, but my family and my team. I couldn’t have got through this without the love and support of those closest to me and my supporters who have stood by me, I am forever grateful," Benn stated on social media.

"My team and I have worked extremely hard over the past seven years to make me the fighter I am today, we have never cut corners or cheated the grind in any way.

"It’s been really hard for me to accept that people think that I would do what I was accused of but what I’ve come to realize is people rush to judgement, without knowing the facts especially people in the boxing community (and, most disappointingly, even those that know me). Although I’ve kept away from social media, I’m well aware of those who have thrown dirt on my name. I’ll forgive but I won’t forget.

"Tony Sims has had a clean gym for 26 years, I respect the gym. No one is bigger than the gym! We don’t condone cheating or cutting corners.

"I’m thankful to my dad who has been with me through this whole period and I’m glad this nightmare is coming to an end for the sake of our combined mental health. Never did we think we’d go through something like this but they say the hardest fight is life and the adversity it brings. I want to make up for lost time and not let another moment go to waste.

"Boxing is my life. I’ve been through hardships in my career before but nothing like this, I believe in life you go through adversity of all kinds and what matters most is how you respond.

"My team have proven my innocence and the truth will soon come out. Until then, I won’t be commenting further due to confidentiality.

"I’m thankful to everyone who has supported me through this tough time… tough times don’t last, tough people do. We keep it moving and will continue to chase the end goal of being world champion - it’s a minor setback for a major comeback.

"For now, I am looking forward to sharing Christmas privately with my family and I will be back in January. See you all in 2023, the year I become world champion!"