Conor Benn provisionally suspended again after appeals

LONDON : British welterweight Conor Benn has had a provisional suspension reimposed after successful appeals by UK anti-doping (UKAD) and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC).

UKAD had appealed against the independent National Anti-Doping Panel's decision to clear Benn after he failed two voluntary drug tests in 2022 and was then suspended in March 2023.

BBBoC general secretary Robert Smith said Benn was provisionally barred from participating in any capacity in a competition organised, convened, authorised or recognised by the BBBoC "or any other World Anti-Doping Code-compliant sport.

"UKAD and the BBBoC were successful in their respective appeals of a decision handed down by a tribunal of the independent National Anti-Doping Panel in July 2023," he added.

"Mr Benn's Provisional Suspension was reimposed by the appeal tribunal following those successful appeals."

Smith said the case remained before the independent National Anti-Doping Panel and would progress in accordance with the UK Anti-Doping Rules.

There was no comment from Benn's promoters Matchroom. The boxer has previously expressed his innocence over the failed tests.