UK Anti-Doping Opts Against Appealing Conor Benn’s Suspension Reversal

The prospect of Conor Benn’s return to boxing in Britain has advanced following UK Anti-Doping’s (Ukad) decision not to challenge the recent lifting of his suspension. The 28-year-old boxer’s British licence was revoked by the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) in 2022 after he failed two drug tests leading up to his scheduled fight against Chris Eubank Jr. Benn has not competed in Britain since 2022. His suspension was rescinded earlier this month. Ukad indicated that the National Anti-Doping Panel was “not comfortably satisfied” that both it and the BBBofC had successfully demonstrated he had committed an anti-doping rule violation. Ukad had a 21-day window to lodge an appeal but ultimately opted against pursuing one. Subsequent to this decision, the BBBofC also confirmed it would not be lodging an appeal. The World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) retains a distinct timeframe during which it is permitted to appeal. Benn, 28, who maintains an undefeated 23-0 record in the welterweight division, had tested positive for Clomifene, a women’s fertility drug. He has consistently denied doping allegations and stated he had been “cleared of any wrongdoing” when his suspension was lifted. Although he has not fought in Britain since April 2022, he has competed twice since his suspension, securing victories against Rodolfo Orozco in September 2023 and Peter Dobson in February 2024, both contests taking place in the United States. Benn is now permitted to resume his professional fighting career within the UK and intends to arrange a new bout with Eubank Jr. The teams representing both fighters are actively pursuing this contest, with a preference for it to be held in the UK rather than in Saudi Arabia.