Conor Benn's Provisional Doping Suspension Lifted After Legal Battle

Conor Benn's provisional doping suspension has been lifted following a two-year dispute with UK Anti-Doping (Ukad) and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC).

Benn, 28, who remains undefeated in his career with a 23-0 record, had tested positive for the banned substance Clomifene, a women's fertility drug, in 2022 during voluntary drug tests. Despite this, Ukad has withdrawn the suspension after the National Anti-Doping Panel (NADP) stated they were "not comfortably satisfied" that Ukad and the BBBofC had sufficiently proven Benn's anti-doping rule violation.

Benn has maintained that he is "cleared of any wrongdoing" and reiterated his stance as an "advocate for clean sport." He also described the past 24 months as the "toughest fight" of his life, adding that it was a "rollercoaster period" during which the WBC had already declared his innocence, and the NADP initially found no case against him.

Despite the lifting of his suspension, Ukad has confirmed that the "charge against him has been consequently dismissed," but the organization is considering an appeal. They have 21 days to file that appeal.

The full details of the NADP's decision have not been disclosed publicly, as Ukad cannot do so without Benn's consent. A significant factor in Benn's case was the fact that the drug tests were conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (Vada), which was paid for by Benn's promoters, Matchroom Boxing, and not Ukad.

In July 2023, the NADP had already lifted Benn's ban, but the decision was reversed when Ukad and the BBBofC appealed. Benn was re-suspended provisionally in May 2024.