Conor Benn has broken his silence on the doping drama that has thrown his career into jeopardy.
The young welterweight twice tested positive for a banned substance and, in the aftermath, had his fight with Chris Eubank Jr postponed and relinquished his British Boxing license.
Despite that, he has maintained innocence ever since the failed test came to light. Alongside his team of trainer Tony Sims and father Nigel, Benn has promised fans that he will clear his name.
It’s understood that there will be announcements made as to the result of the doping investigations before the year is out, and Benn took to social media to release a statement to preempt that.
“I want to start by saying this has been a very difficult time – not just for me, but my family and my team. I couldn’t have got through this without the love and support of those closest to me and my supporters who have stood by me, am forever grateful.”
“It’s been really hard for me to accept that people think that I would do what I was accused of but what I’ve come to realise is people rush to judgement, without knowing the facts especially people in the boxing community (and, most disappointingly, even those that know me).
Although I’ve kept away from social media, I’m well aware of those who have thrown dirt on my name. I’ll forgive but I won’t forget.”
Benn went on to thank his father before again claiming innocence and setting out his plans for 2023.
“I’m thankful to my dad who has been with me through this whole period and I’m glad this nightmare is coming to an end for the sake of our combined mental health. Never did we think we’d go through something like this but they say the hardest fight is life and the adversity it brings. I want to make up for lost time and not let another moment go to waste.”
“I’ve stayed in the gym and continued to work extremely hard, staying positive that my innocence will be proven and the truth will come out.
My team has proven my innocence and the truth will soon come out. Until then, I won’t be commenting further due to confidentiality.
There were times I feared it never would but we all had faith.”
“For now, I am looking forward to sharing Christmas privately with my family and I will be back in January. See you all in 2023, the year I become world champion!”
The full statement can be read below.
— Conor Nigel Benn (@ConorNigel) December 12, 2022