Conor Benn ‘disappointed’ as UKAD appeals against decision to lift doping ban

UK Anti-Doping and the British Boxing Board of Control have appealed against the decision to lift Conor Benn’s provisional suspension for two failed drugs tests.

Benn’s career was thrown into turmoil last October after he twice tested positive for the banned drug clomifene in the lead-up to a bout against Chris Eubank Jr that was subsequently shelved in fight week.

He was formally charged by UKAD in April but announced last month he had been cleared after the independent National Anti-Doping Panel ruled in his favour following a hearing into the matter.

pic.twitter.com/BWEDcep2yA

— Conor Nigel Benn (@ConorNigel) August 17, 2023

However, while Benn remains free to resume his boxing career, the saga is not over as UKAD and the BBBofC have both activated their right to appeal against the NADP’s decision within a 21-day window.

A UKAD statement said: “UK Anti-Doping can confirm that it has filed an appeal in respect of a decision handed down by the independent National Anti-Doping Panel regarding anti-doping proceedings brought by UKAD against Mr Conor Benn.

“As confirmed previously in UKAD’s statement on 28 July 2023, Mr Benn is no longer subject to a provisional suspension. The appeal process will now be followed in accordance with the UK Anti-Doping rules.”

Benn’s positive tests were conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association for the WBC, which cleared the boxer of any wrongdoing in February, pointing to an “elevated consumption of eggs” for the findings.

Benn himself insisted eggs were never blamed in a 270-page report he sent the WBC, but he has repeatedly stressed his innocence, having faced a two-year ban.

UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) can today confirm that it has filed an appeal in respect of a decision handed