Conor Benn, WBA Continental welterweight title holder, has recently revealed his reaction after being called off due to a failed drug test ahead of his bout against Chris Eubank Jr.
The 26-year-old has defended his innocence on numerous occasions. UK Anti-Doping, the testing branch that works with the British Boxing Board of Control, is reportedly looking into him. If convicted, Benn may face a two-to-four-year ban.
Benn’s blood sample will be analyzed, and if it tests positive for clomifene, he will have the opportunity to explain how the chemical came into his system by providing any relevant information. His proper explanation with relevant proof could lessen the severity of his punishment.
A few days before the fight, the BBBofC stated that it was “prohibited and not in the interests of boxing,” and it was postponed the next day. The Matchroom promoted the BBBofC’s decision to remove its sanctions as “procedurally defective and devoid of due process.”
Since the BBBofC did not “recognize” Vada, Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn maintained that there was no need to cancel the bout or sanction Benn.
Following this, Benn posted a bold statement on his social media, indicating that he is sure he hasn’t cheated. Benn expressed his expectation that the apology would be on a level with the criticism he had received.
“I hope the apology is as loud as the disrespect,” Benn wrote.
‼️ Conor Benn on Instagram today… pic.twitter.com/4OoLudju9k
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) October 12, 2022
However, the boxing community has been quite loud about Benn’s violation, with legends such as Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather pointing fingers at him.
Floyd Mayweather and Oscar De La Hoya criticize Conor Benn
In an interview, De La Hoya expressed his dissatisfaction with Benn’s use of PEDS. These medications, he claims, are harmful, especially in boxing, where the fighter’s life is at stake.
“Steroids is [are] the worst that one can do in this sport. Obviously, in any sport. But, in baseball, you’re hitting a ball, in tennis, you’re swinging a racket, in boxing, you’re smashing somebody’s head,” De La Hoya said.
Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather has also addressed Benn’s failing drug test who (Mayweather) had direct knowledge of how boxers managed their cycles, and shed light on the sport’s widespread drug use.
“Well, I was a pioneer at random blood in your intestine, just so fighters and all athletes can be on the even playing field. You know, it’s all about being a fear. And athletes that’s competing against each other should be on the even plans tonight. That’s what I always thought and I will always believe in that,” The Pretty Boy said.
A tale always has two sides to it. Benn shall face the repercussions of his actions if he violates any rules. However, the reality will be revealed only after the UKAD finalizes its tests and issues its verdict.
