Conor Benn is finally cleared to fight in the U.K. again after a two-year suspension for positive tests. The British Boxing Board of Control lifted Benn's provisional suspension on Wednesday, following a prolonged battle involving both UKAD and the National Anti-Doping Panel. This ruling means Benn is now free to resume his career, with an expected return in early 2025.
The most anticipated matchup for Benn's comeback is a showdown with Chris Eubank Jr., continuing a family rivalry that began over 30 years ago when their fathers, Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr., squared off in two historic fights. Benn and Eubank Jr. stoked the fire for this fight last month when Benn confronted Eubank in the ring after Eubank's win over Kamil Szeremeta in Saudi Arabia. The two fighters publicly expressed their interest in facing off, building anticipation for what could be one of the biggest British boxing events of 2025.
Originally, Benn was set to face Eubank Jr. in October 2022, but the fight was canceled just days prior after Benn tested positive for the banned substance Clomiphene in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association test. Benn has consistently maintained his innocence, attributing the positive result to high egg consumption, and has challenged the validity of VADA’s findings, noting that the British Board only recognizes UKAD testing, which returned negative results for Benn.
During his suspension, Benn stayed active by fighting in the U.S., where he secured two wins in Florida and Las Vegas after the Association of Boxing Commissions controversially removed him from the national suspension list. With his suspension now lifted in the U.K., Benn is looking forward to re-establishing himself on home turf and potentially facing Eubank Jr. to fulfill the public's demand.
In a statement following his clearance, Benn expressed gratitude for the support he received during this ordeal, saying, "This past 24 months has unquestionably been the toughest fight of my life… I'm relieved to finally close this chapter and am excited to get back in the ring to realize my ultimate potential!"
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