Conor Benn, the undefeated welterweight with a 23-0 record, has had his provisional doping suspension lifted following a lengthy two-year dispute with UK Anti-Doping (Ukad) and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC).
The suspension stemmed from two positive tests for Clomifene, a banned fertility drug, which Benn tested positive for during voluntary tests in 2022. Despite these results, Benn’s suspension was recently withdrawn after the National Anti-Doping Panel (NADP) determined that Ukad and the BBBofC had not provided sufficient evidence to prove that he had violated anti-doping rules.
In a statement, Benn expressed his relief, claiming that he had been “cleared of any wrongdoing” and has always supported “clean sport.” He described the last 24 months as “the toughest fight of my life” and a “rollercoaster period” during which the World Boxing Council (WBC) had already ruled in his favor, and the NADP initially decided there was no case against him.
Benn also noted that he had been “free to fight” following the NADP’s ruling. However, Ukad has confirmed that it is reviewing the decision and may still lodge an appeal, with a 21-day window to do so.
The British Anti-Doping organization has said the “charge against him has been consequently dismissed,” but it is still reviewing the NADP’s decision. Ukad has not yet disclosed the full details of the panel’s ruling, citing Benn’s consent as a condition for public disclosure.
The controversy surrounding Benn’s case has also centered on the involvement of the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (Vada), which conducted the tests. These were paid for by Benn’s promoter, Matchroom Boxing, and not Ukad, which raises questions about the reliability of the testing process.
Although the NADP lifted Benn’s suspension in July 2023, Ukad and the BBBofC’s subsequent appeal led to a provisional suspension being reinstated in May of this year.
