CONOR BENN has been charged over his failed drugs test and could now face a two-year boxing ban.
Benn provided Voluntary Anti-Doping Association with two failed tests before his cancelled Chris Eubank Jr fight last October.
PAConor Benn has been charged over his failed drugs test[/caption]
He protested his innocence and claimed to have the evidence to prove it.
But Benn ripped up his British Boxing Board of Control licence before he could face any suspension from the board.
Although it means he cannot be sanctioned nor can he fight in the UK.
The son of British ring legend Nigel has been planning – along with promoter Eddie Hearn – to resume his career in either the Middle East or America.
But Boxing News revealed Benn was provisionally suspended by United Kingdom Anti-Doping on March 15, posing problems with potential hosts around the world.
And in the latest twist, UKAD have now formally charged Benn under article 2.2 for “alleged use of a prohibited substance”.
A statement read: “Following a public consultation in late 2020, and having considered the results of that consultation, UKAD’s Board decided in February 2021 that UKAD will not routinely publicly disclose the fact that an Athlete has been charged or provisionally suspended before a charge has been resolved.
‘However, it was also recognised that there might be limited and rare examples where it is appropriate to do so in ‘exceptional circumstances’, as set out in UKAD’s Policy on Public disclosure of provisional suspensions and charges available here.
“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.
“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 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.
“UKAD issues this statement in accordance with its Policy on Public disclosure of provisional suspensions and charges and Articles 7.10.7 and 7.11.5 of the UK Anti-Doping Rules. UKAD will not be providing any further comment at this stage.”
The news comes a week after it was revealed Amir Khan was served with a two-year doping ban, following his final fight with Kell Brook.
But the investigation was kept quiet for over a year – infuriating Benn, who has always protested his innocence.
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).
SunSport understands Benn and his team have been cooperating with UKAD but refuse to comply with the Board over allegations of bias.
His legal team HAVE also shared the 270-page document they believe exonerates their man with UKAD.
That would usually remain confidential but SunSport can reveal the deeply frustrated fighter is open to making the details public in a desperate and final bid to close the case.
Team Benn feel they have been unfairly treated since the saga started and have been stunned by the number of public statements and interviews the usually low-profile body has given on this case.
The BBBofC have reached out to rival commissions around the world urging them against hosting a Benn bout.
And a sparring partner claimed to us that the BBBofC threatened them with sanctions if they continued to train with the Ilford man.
Benn’s legal team are confident they could get the provisional suspension lifted.
But they feel it would be a wasted exercise as they currently have no intention of working with the BBBofC again on a domestic fight.
Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn’s fight was axedRichard Pelham / The Sun Read More