Conor Benn suspended again as boxer faces another fight against drugs ban

Conor Benn has been provisionally suspended for a second time over his failed drugs test before his doomed fight against Chris Eubank Jr.

Benn's career was thrown into turmoil in October 2022 after he twice tested positive for the banned drug clomifene in the lead-up to the bout. His provisional suspension was lifted by the independent National Anti-Doping Panel but the British Boxing Board of Control and UK Anti-Doping launched an appeal.

That appeal was successful and Benn's suspension has now been reimposed. In a statement, The BBBoC said: "As UKAD have stated, the BBBoC can confirm that Conor Benn is subject to a Provisional Suspension prohibiting him 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 BBBoC or any other World Anti-Doping Code-compliant sport.

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

Watch Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk

Watch Tyson Fury vs Oleksander Usyk live on DAZN

PPV is £24.99 and includes one month of a DAZN subscription.

Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are set to lock horns in a huge bout on May 18 with each fighter attempting to etch their name in boxing history as the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999. The stakes couldn't be higher as the pair will go head to head for the prestigious WBC, WBA, WBO, and IBF titles.

DAZN

Get it here

"UKAD and the BBBoC were successful in their respective appeals of a decision handed down by a tribunal of the independent National Anti-Doping Panel in July 2023, and Mr Benn's Provisional Suspension was reimposed by the appeal tribunal following those successful appeals.

"As Mr Benn's case remains before the independent National Anti-Doping Panel and the case will now progress in accordance with the UK Anti-Doping Rules, the BBBoC is not able to make any further public comment at this time."

In February, Benn, who has repeatedly protested his innocence, saw off the challenge of American Peter Dobson in Las Vegas with a unanimous decision victory to keep his unbeaten record. The 27-year-old won his second straight fight in the US as he went 12 rounds for the first time in his career.

Before the result of UKAD and the BBBoC's appeals, Benn said: "I'm disappointed at the news of an appeal being made, having already been cleared by both the WBC and the National Anti-Doping Panel to continue my career without any restriction.

"As I have said before, I am innocent. Nothing has changed and I remain confident in my position. I will not be commenting further while I let the legal process play out."