And just when pieces were finally falling into place for Conor Benn, the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) waved the red flag. The WBA Continental Welterweight Champion fights Mexican Rodolfo Orozco at Caribe Royale in Orlando on Saturday, September 23. The former returns after a year-long fight to clear his name after failing two Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) tests. But boxing’s premier governing body in Britain believes the time has not yet come.

Early this year, WBC cleared his name from ‘intentional doping.’ However, the United Kingdom Anti-Doping Agency (UKAD) provisionally suspended him from all sporting activities in March. Relief came when the National Anti-Doping Panel voided the suspension in July. But both UKAD and BBBofC persisted in appealing the verdict. Conor Benn had surrendered his boxing license last year.

The story is not yet ready for a good ending

Amidst the recent developments, talks on Benn’s imminent return shot off. Finally, as it turned out, his name appeared against Rodolfo Orozco—the duo fight on the undercard of the Richardson Hitchins versus Jose Zepeda Super Lightweight feature on DAZN. Given the pertinent circumstances, the move must have taken many by surprise. The BBBofC finally came out with a statement that talkSPORT‘s Michael Benson shared yesterday.

The governing body’s representative stated that Conor Benn should not compete this weekend since he hasn’t cleared his name. The communication read, “He hasn’t cleared it. A number of issues are still outstanding, which everybody’s aware of. We’ve decided to appeal the [NADP] decision. But when Eddie Hearn says he’s cleared his name – we haven’t had an explanation of how the positive test came about, so I don’t quite agree with Eddie on that one… Personally, I don’t think he should be boxing until this matter is cleared.”

Trending

Joe Rogan Sums Up Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul in One Line

May 11, 2024 06:53 PM EDT

“Financial Bloodbath”: Canelo Alvarez’s Reported PPV Numbers for Jaime Munguia Bout Raises Questions Over His Fight Purse

May 12, 2024 04:58 AM EDT

Watch: Ryan Garcia’s Mother Brought to Tears After Son’s Antagonizing Post About George Kambosos Jr’s Wife Draws Scathing Response From Veteran Promoter

May 13, 2024 08:47 AM EDT

Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury Stats Comparison and Prediction: Record, Age, Height, Reach, Weight, and Knockout Ratio

May 14, 2024 07:55 AM EDT

“Nobody Talking Devin Testing Positive”: Ryan Garcia Goes Ballistic on Devin Haney Following Bombshell Doping Test Findings

May 08, 2024 01:23 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Boxing stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

In April last year, Conor Benn fought off the eighth challenge to his title. In October, the son of legend Nigel Benn was set for a generational fight against Chris Eubank Jr., the son of another boxing great, Chris Eubank. However, the results of the tests threw a spanner in the works. It resulted in the postponement of the bout. Thereafter began the ordeal that saw his fortunes swinging from good to bad and then probably sitting on the fence.

“Only Thing You Destroyed Was Your Credibility”: Following His Fight Announcement, Conor Benn’s Explosive Training Clip Draws Mixed Reactions From Fans

What do you make from BBBofC statements? Is it right to put the brakes on his return at the last juncture? Please share your thoughts and views with us in the comments below.

Watch This Story: Conor Benn Was Contemplating His Suicide, Says His Wife Cried Thinking He Killed Himself After Not Picking Up Her Call Amid Doping Test Fiasco