British boxer Conor Benn has been cleared of intentional doping when the World Boxing Council (WBC) ruled his consumption of eggs presented a “reasonable explanation” for a failed test.
Key points:
- Conor Benn was set to fight Chris Eubank Jr on the 30th anniversary of their fathers fighting
- Benn tested positive for trace amounts of fertility drug Clomiphene
- The British Boxing Board of Control and UK Anti-Doping are still investigating
Benn’s catchweight bout with Chris Eubank Jr scheduled for last October was cancelled after Benn’s urine test showed trace amounts of fertility drug Clomiphene, a banned substance that boosts testosterone levels while burning fat.
The all-British bout was scheduled to take place 30 years after their fathers, Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank, fought in the ring in one of British boxing’s great rivalries.
“Mr Benn’s documented and highly elevated consumption of eggs during the times relevant to the sample collection raised a reasonable explanation for the adverse finding,” the WBC said in its ruling.
The WBC said it would reinstate 26-year-old Benn in its rankings.
The sanctioning body said there was “no conclusive evidence that Mr Benn engaged in intentional or knowing ingestion of Clomiphene”.
Benn’s status remains in doubt despite the WBC’s ruling.
British boxing authorities called off Benn’s bout after the tests conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association.
Benn, who has denied any wrongdoing, then relinquished his license with the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC).
The board and UK Anti-Doping are still investigating.
“The BBBoC has not been party to the review conducted by the WBC and has not been provided with sight of any evidence submitted on Mr Benn’s behalf,” the board said in a statement.
AP
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