After two years amidst doping controversy, English star Conor Benn will return to UK boxing. The Essex native failed two d**g tests in 2022 for a PED clomifene in the lead-up to his fight against Chris Eubank Jr. which resulted in him facing a ban from the UK Anti-Doping Agency in March 2023. WBC cleared Benn of doping charges in late 2023. Later, UKAD and BBBofC appealed the NADP’s decision to drop Benn’s suspension.

Finally, NADP declared that the UKAD had not provided enough evidence to uphold his continued suspension. The regulatory body therefore cleared the 23-0 boxer of any wrongdoings. However, the biggest shocker was UKAD announcing that it would not appeal the decision leaving fans and experts confused. Right after UKAD’s announcement, SNAC founder Victor Conte took to his ‘X’ to question the decision by the UK’s regulatory body. It has been two weeks since the announcement, and Conte once again targeted Conor Benn and UKAD, demanding answers.

Victor Conte is concerned

Conte wrote on X, “It’s been 2 weeks since @ukantidoping decided not to appeal the @conornigel doping case decision. Interesting that there has been no statement made by any party involved about the evidence involved in the case.” Anti-doping regulations hold athletes accountable for any banned substances found in their bodies. When authorities charge an athlete with doping, the athlete must prove their innocence.

However, Conte finds the silence of both parties regarding the evidence concerning. He failed to understand why the UK anti-doping agency is letting the case go after battling it out for two years. Conte exclaimed, “Boxing fans have been waiting for more than 2 years for an opportuinty learn more about the evidence and the silence is deafening.”

Ever since the case began, fans and boxing fanatics expressed concerns about its complexities due to the parties involved. Many experts predicted that UKAD might not be prepared for a lengthy battle. Considering the current scenario, that might be true. The SNAC founder hopes that either Conor Benn or UKAD will release a statement to clarify the situation. “Hope there will be some sort of tranparency soon but it does not seem likely at this point,” stated.

With the suspension lifted, Conor Benn is ready to make his return to boxing on his home soil. He already has a controversial list, where he is targeting the biggest stars except one.

Conor Benn’s hit-list

While talking to FightHubTv, Benn declared that he would be targeting the biggest stars at 147. At first, the #2 ranked WBC welterweight is looking to secure a championship fight against Mario Barrios. Following that, he would like to end his legacy feud against Chris Eubank Jr. in a fight for the ages.

With the hopes of walking out as a champion against Barrios, the Essex native wants to challenge the biggest stars at welterweight. However, he does not hold the IBF welterweight champion Jaron Ennis as a worthy opponent. According to Benn, Boots’ lack of charisma makes him an undesirable challenge despite him being highly skilled as a boxer.

He explained, “If you say big names…I don’t look at him. I look at Pacquiao, Broner, Kell Brook, Khan,” and as Ennis is not a well-know name outside of boxing, it is hard to get, “people invested in.” While boxers like Manny Pacquiao, Adrien Broner, Kell Brook, and Amir Khan have that personality, sadly “there ain’t much of that (with Boots).”

Conor Benn last fought in the UK back in April 2022 against Chris van Heerden. Since then, he has been fighting in the US to maintain his career. However, at this point, it does not look like UKAD will be challenging the decision, which opens the way for Conor Benn’s homecoming.

What do you think of Victor Conte’s statement? Let us know your thoughts down below.