- Welterweight boxer Conor Benn tested positive for clomiphene twice last year
- He returns to the ring this weekend when he takes on Rodolfo Orozco
- However, the British Boxing Board of Control insists he has yet to clear his name
The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) has insisted that Conor Benn has not cleared his name and should not return to the ring this weekend.
It was announced on Wednesday that Benn would fight for the first time since testing positive for clomiphene twice in 2022 when he took on little-known Mexican Rodolfo Orozco in Orlando on Saturday – despite the unresolved doping case that could still see him banned from competing. the sport.
Although his ban in Britain was lifted by the National Anti-Doping Panel in July, the fighter still faces a possible two-year ban in this country pending the outcome of appeals against that decision by the BBBofC and UK Anti-Doping, as before MailSport reports.
Benn’s promoter Eddie Hearn has repeatedly claimed he has cleared his name and is free to fight, but BBCofC general secretary Robert Smith disagreed.
“Although it is a sport, we do not work with teams, but with individuals,” he said talkSPORT.
The British Boxing Board of Control has insisted that Conor Benn has not cleared his name and will not be allowed to return to the ring this weekend when he takes on Rodolfo Orozco.
BBBofC general secretary Robert Smith (left) stressed that several issues remain outstanding
‘And sometimes people look out for themselves rather than the sport in general, which is a bit disappointing.
‘I understand why they do it, but no, I don’t think he should box. Personally, I don’t think he should box until this issue is resolved. Hopefully that will happen as soon as possible.’
Smith continued: “He hasn’t cleared it (his name), there are still some outstanding issues that everyone is aware of.
“We have decided to appeal a decision and once the appeal has been lodged we will take it up from there.
“But when Eddie says he has cleared his name, we don’t think we have had an explanation yet as to how the positive test came about, so I don’t completely agree with Eddie on that.”
Benn has previously pointed to the NADP ruling as a ‘vindication’ of his innocence, although sources have told Mail Sport the hearing did not focus on the key question of how the banned substance entered his body.
Benn hasn’t fought for 17 months after his fight with Chris Eubank Jr. was canceled due to his failed drug test
Smith refuted claims by Benn’s promoter Eddie Hearn that he has cleared his name
It is believed that one part of the argument launched by Benn’s legal team has criticized UKAD’s right to rule on samples collected by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association.
In the fight against Orozco, Benn will resume his career after a 17-month hiatus, ahead of his postponed showdown against Chris Eubank Jr. to be revived in December.
Benn said: “I am undefeated in the ring and in the mind. A return on Saturday is one step closer to redemption.
‘I then bring divisions 147-160 to your attention. You are looking at a determined man with a deep desire to beat them all.”