SunSport reveal that Conor Benn failed two VADA drugs tests in the lead-up to his cancelled bout with Chris Eubank Jr.
The bout was cancelled during fight week as it was reported that Benn had tested positive for banned substance, Clomifene. The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) prohibited the bout, leading to it’s cancellation.
In a statement provided this week by the BBBofC, it was confirmed that Benn voluntarily relinquished his British Boxing license.
🚨 @ConorNigel has voluntarily RELINQUISHED his licence with the BBBofC
👀 Benn failed a drug test before the fight with @ChrisEubankJr forcing the fight to be postponed #Boxing #ConorBenn #ChrisEubankJr pic.twitter.com/LsQWi0VOEv
— IntuBoxing (@IntuBoxing) October 26, 2022
The Sun revealed that Benn failed two VADA tests, one in July and one in September. The latter would be the one that became publicised and lead to the bouts cancellation, but the July test came as a surprise. An emotional Benn still pleads his innocence.
“I was informed [of the first failed test] and I thought, ‘It’s probably a faulty test’. I thought, ‘We’ll get to the bottom of it’. We’re still trying to do that. We’re making progress. But the way it’s been blown up has affected me so much. My innocence will be proven, it has to be.”
“I passed all my UKAD tests, which people aren’t talking about. I’ve passed all my tests in and out of camp. I’ve been a professional for seven years and never failed a test. I signed up to VADA in February, so it doesn’t make any sense. Why would I take something then? Trace amounts were found. The tiniest of traces. The only thing I can think of is contamination.”
“I’ve not taken anything. I never have done, never would. It’s not what I stand for, it’s not what my team stands for. Why would I take the biggest fight of my life, sign up to VADA — voluntary anti-doping — and then take this substance? If you Google this substance, it stays in your system for months. Do I look like an idiot?”
This latest development has shocked many fans, and it seems that there is plenty more to come from this situation.