Conor Benn: British boxer returns to WBC ranks after ‘unintentional’ failed drug test

The World Boxing Council determined that Conor Benn’s failed drugs test was not deliberate and could have been brought on by a “highly-elevated consumption” of eggs. As a result, Conor Benn is back in the rankings.

Before his postponed October fight with Chris Eubank Jr., Benn failed two voluntary drug tests for the female reproductive medication clomifene.

He is still being looked at by UK Anti-Doping and the British Boxing Board of Control, and since he lacks a boxing license, he cannot compete in fights in the United Kingdom.

The bout between Benn and Eubank was slated to take place on October 8 at 157 pounds, 30 years after their dads Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr. squared off.

The 26-year-old has previously attributed the results to “contamination.” His defense claimed that the VADA testing laboratory was at fault, but the WBC disagreed.

The sanctioning board concluded that “there was no conclusive evidence that Mr. Benn engaged in intentional or knowing consumption of clomifene,” according to a detailed statement.

It continued: “There were no violations of Mr. Benn’s B Sample rights or errors in the processes related to sample collection or analysis that would support challenging or invalidating the adverse finding, and Mr. Benn’s documented and elevated egg consumption during the times relevant to the sample collection raised a plausible explanation for the adverse finding.”

The statement alludes to a test that was administered on July 25th, after Benn’s enrollment in the WBC’s out-of-competition testing program in July.

He tested positive for the hydroxymetabolites MI and M2 of clomifene. According to the WBC, Benn did not provide a “substantive response” until December, and the WBC did not conduct a thorough examination until January 2023.

Although noting that it was aware of the WBC’s findings, the BBBofC added: “While the BBBofC wants to be clear that it respects the WBC, it should be noted that it is a sanctioning organization rather than a regulating authority.

“The continued application of the BBBofC’s rules is not impacted by the WBC’s decision.”

In order to “prevent the danger of a future unfavourable discovery caused by nutritional factors,” the WBC plans to collaborate with Benn and his group in the future.

Benn was “ready to restart his career,” according to promoter Eddie Hearn.

Conor Benn needs to locate fight venues now, Hearn said on the Boxing Social podcast.

“Conor Benn is capable of boxing anyplace in the globe, but he must first go through a procedure, and it is unknown how long that procedure will take.

“In the gym he is. The past six weeks have been spent in the gym. He’s all set to battle.”