It seems like Conor Benn can’t catch a break. The Essex native finally got clear of doping charges after two years of extensive legal troubles. Benn failed two consecutive d**g tests in the lead-up to his fight against Chris Eubank Jr. in 2022, resulting in UKAD banning him. While WBC cleared him of the charges in late 2023, UKAD and BBBofC stayed with their decision.

Finally, more than a month ago, NADP ruled against UKAD and BBBofC’s appeal to uphold Benn’s suspension citing the lack of appropriate evidence provided. Then in another jolt of good news for the 28-year-old, the the UKAD and BBBofC stated that they were not going to appeal NADP’s decision thereby clearing the way for Conor Benn to once again fight in the UK.

However, many in the boxing community were shocked that the UKAD accepted the decision without an appeal after 2 years of toting the case. This stirred curiosity among fans, with SNAC owner Victor Conte stepping up as their spokesperson, demanding that either party involved provide transparency regarding the case. Despite the call-out, both UKAD and Conor Benn chose to remain silent. However, Conte refused to let the matter rest, once again challenging the undefeated 23-0 boxer to disclose the anti-doping evidence.

Conor Benn’s ethical duty to his fans

Conte took to his ‘X’ and referred to the statement released by UKAD last month in regard to the Conor Benn case. The SNAC founder called out ‘The Destroyer’ “to disclose the evidence he provided to the National Anti-Doping Panel.” A few days ago, Conte stated that either one of UKAD or Benn should disclose the evidence to the fans.

However, after reading the statement released by UKAD on November 28, Conte figured out that the UK Anti-Doping agency can’t release any statement without the Essex native’s consent. The 74-year-old thus directly addressed Conor Benn and wrote, “Boxing fans deserve answers Mr Benn. It seems your laywers and the technical rules have placed a muzzle on @ukantidoping,” claiming that it is Benn’s ethical duty to the fans to disclose the evidence that was submitted by the UKAD to NADP. 

Conte also found it quite odd that Benn’s team had put on a clause like this. “IMO this seems very shady and I believe there is a need for transparency. Was it the “eggsplanation” or was it some other jurisdiction issue? Please come clean now Conor and tell the boxing world the truth. I believe that the boxing deserves a reasonable explanation,” stated Conte in his long post. However, it was not Benn’s team who put the NDA clause. Rather, it is UKAD’s rules that restrict them from doing so, as mentioned in the statement as well.

The SNAC founder wants the truth. However, he is not hopeful of getting one. “My guess is that you will not provide any explanation and that there may be something to hide. Thank you in advance if you do decide to be forthcoming with the truth,” added Conte.

Victor Conte’s last statement seems true, as Conor Benn has avoided addressing the charges being dropped even once. However, he has revealed his grand plans, announcing that he can now box in the UK and has even sent an offer to his next opponent.

A shot at the WBC title

Many fans expected that Benn would resume his career in the United Kingdom from where he left off. A legacy fight against Chris Eubank Jr. made perfect sense. However, it looks like Eddie Hearn and the Essex native have different ideas and wants a title fight soon.

In an interview with iFL TV, Matchroom’s head honcho stated that while the fight with Eubank is on the card, “Conor wants to fight for the world title.” Benn is currently ranked #2 in the WBC welterweight division and, according to Hearn, they have already sent an offer to WBC champion Mario Barrios. 

Hearn further mentioned his conversation with Conor Benn and said, “Leave Eubank. We’ll fight him in the summer. Let’s go for the world title first. I’ll win the world title, then I’ll fight Eubank, and by the way, that fight will be even bigger.” The British promoter further suggested that they are eyeing the title fight for the major card proposed for February 22.

With Conor Benn completely focused on securing a title before facing Eubank Jr, Conte might not get his answers. Furthermore, with UKAD restricted by its own rules, it does not look like any party will ever disclose the information.

What do you think about Victor Conte’s statement? Do you think Conor Benn should come out and disclose the evidence? Let us know your thoughts down below.