Conor Benn Cleared of Any Wrongdoing: Is the Eubank Jr. Showdown Finally on the Horizon?
After two years of legal wrangling and a public battle to clear his name, Conor Benn has been officially cleared of any wrongdoing by the National Anti-Doping Panel (NADP). The British welterweight's lengthy fight outside the ring has finally come to an end, leaving him with the chance to reclaim his career and make a return to the ring, with Eddie Hearn undoubtedly relieved by this significant victory for his prized fighter.
The road to this moment has been anything but straightforward. Benn, 27, had built considerable momentum in his career with a string of eye-catching wins, including two decisive knockout victories over Chris Algieri and Chris van Heerden. These performances had set him up for a huge clash with Chris Eubank Jr., a bout that had been billed as a modern-day grudge match, linking their fathers’ legendary rivalry. But just days before the fight was due to take place, Benn was handed a setback of monumental proportions: he tested positive for Clomifene, a banned substance.
The news rocked the boxing world. Benn, who had been undefeated up to that point, vehemently denied the allegations, maintaining his innocence throughout. A bitter fallout with the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) ensued, which led to Benn’s license being revoked, effectively preventing him from competing in the UK. This forced Benn to continue his boxing career abroad, with mixed results—two unanimous decision wins against Rodolfo Orozco and Peter Dobson in the United States, but neither performance lived up to the high expectations surrounding him.
For the past two years, Benn has been fighting not just in the ring, but in the court of public opinion. His name became tainted, and the road back to the UK seemed uncertain. However, the NADP’s decision to clear him of all charges means Benn can now begin to look ahead, and for the first time in a while, the future appears brighter.
In a heartfelt statement shared with his followers on social media, Benn expressed his gratitude for the support he has received from fans, friends, family, and his team. “I am thankful that, after an incredibly challenging 2 years, the National Anti-Doping Panel has today cleared me of any wrongdoing,” he wrote. “This past 24 months has unquestionably been the toughest fight of my life. A rollercoaster period within which the WBC had already decided that I was innocent and the NADP decided in the first instance that there was no case to answer and I was free to fight.”
Benn continued, stressing his passion for clean sport and thanking the individuals who have stood by him throughout the ordeal. His relationship with the British Boxing Board of Control remains tense, but Benn made it clear that he bears no ill will, focusing instead on moving forward with a renewed sense of purpose.
“I’m relieved to finally close this chapter and excited to get back in the ring to realise my ultimate potential!” Benn wrote. He also teased a potential return to the ring with the statement, “Who wants it next!? CB.”
As for what comes next, it seems that Benn’s sights are firmly set on rescheduling his highly anticipated clash with Chris Eubank Jr. After the original fight was derailed, speculation surrounding a new date has been gaining traction. Rumors are swirling that the fight could take place in Saudi Arabia on February 22nd, which would once again capture the imaginations of boxing fans who have been eagerly waiting for the two rivals to finally meet in the ring.
With the NADP clearing him of any wrongdoing, Benn is now free to re-enter the British boxing scene. Fans and pundits alike will be closely watching his next move, as his future in the sport now hinges on how he can rebuild his career and prove himself at the highest level once again. Will Eubank Jr. be the first major opponent he faces upon his return? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: Conor Benn’s comeback is officially on.
