Drug testing agency UK Anti-Doping Agency [UKAD] have officially confirmed that they have charged and provisionally suspended welterweight fighter Conor Benn.
Earlier this week, Boxing News reported that Benn was provisionally suspended by UKAD on March 15 - in connection to two failed drug tests in 2022.
The second of the two tests led to the cancelation of his October pay-per-view clash with Chris Eubank Jr.
Benn tested positive for the banned substance clomifene in July and September. The drug tests were administered by testing agency VADA.
While the World Boxing Council [WBC] have cleared Benn of intentionally ingesting the substance, the British Boxing Board of Control [BBBoC] and UKAD have continued to investigate Benn.
UKAD have now released an official statement on the matter.
“Following reports in the media and comments made by professional boxer Mr Conor Benn on Tuesday 18 April 2023, and in exceptional circumstances, UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) confirms that Mr Benn was notified and provisionally suspended by UKAD on 15 March 2023 in accordance with the UK Anti-Doping Rules," UKAD stated.
“Whilst provisionally suspended Mr Benn is prohibited from participating in any capacity (or assisting another Athlete in any capacity) in a Competition, Event or activity that is organised, convened, authorised or recognised by the British Boxing Board of Control or any other World Anti-Doping Code-compliant sport.”
UKAD added: "UKAD can also confirm that on 3 April 2023 it charged Mr Benn with an Article 2.2 violation for the alleged Use of a Prohibited Substance (clomifene). The charge against Mr Benn is pending and will now follow the Results Management process in accordance with the UK Anti-Doping Rules.”
If Benn is found guilty, the 26-year-old could see himself suspended for two years.
Benn, who believes sources within UKAD and the BBBoC have been leaking information to the media, took to social media to respond to UKAD's statement.
“Another day, another attempt to create a headline with my name… I am involved in a confidential procedure and I have respected my confidentiality obligations. Yet each day brings a new leak and a misrepresentation of what’s actually happening," Benn stated.
“There is no news. Being “charged” is a start of a process by which an athlete has to defend themselves. I have not been sanctioned by anyone & I’m not banned from boxing. I remain free to fight in events that are not sanctioned by the BBBoC. I don’t even have a BBBoC licence.”
There has been talk of Benn taking part in a fight on June 3 in Abu Dhabi. The ongoing issues with UKAD and the British Board would not prevent Benn from fighting overseas - but BBBoC head Robert Smith has vowed to contact different commissions with the hope that they will prevent Benn from fighting.
