Conor Benn could face four year ban as UK anti-doping chiefs launch probe

Conor Benn could face a suspension of up to four years with UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) set to launch a formal investigation into his failed drug test.

This week it was revealed Benn returned an adverse finding for the banned fertility drug clomifene, which led to his eagerly anticipated grudge match with Chris Eubank Jr being postponed 48 hours before the opening bell.

Benn has not been suspended and remained ‘free to fight’, according to his promoters Matchroom Boxing with the 26-year-old adamant he is a ‘clean athlete’.

Benn’s adverse test was conducted in September by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency [VADA]. According to The Times, UKAD will now seek cooperation from VADA and the British Board of Boxing Control, who refused to sanction the fight following the findings.

UKAD will reportedly request analysis of the adverse finding with VADA prepared to hand over the necessary documentation.

Benn has maintained he did not knowingly take a banned substance and remains hopeful the fight can be rearranged.

‘I am truly gutted that we are unable to make this fight happen on Saturday and I’m sorry to everyone who has been affected by the postponement,’ he wrote on social media.

‘I am still completely shocked and surprised by this and it has My team and I will consider the next options including rescheduling the fight, but my immediate focus is on clearing my name because I am a clean athlete!’

Benn’s father, the legendary Nigel Benn who was set to be in his son’s corner tonight, has also denied any wrongdoing.

‘I’ve been with my son for the last ten weeks and the training has absolutely gone the best it could have been,’ Benn Snr said. ‘He’s a dedicated trainer, he leaves no stone unturned and we’ll get to the bottom of this, I love my son.

I know he don’t cut no corners, he just goes straight at it 100 per cent but we’ll keep you informed, we’ll let you know what the next step is. But he’s a faithful trainer and a clean athlete, speak to you all soon, God bless.’

Eubank Jr meanwhile has wasted little time in trolling his rival. The 32-year-old immediately shared old footage of a young Benn discussing drug cheat Jarrell Miller, who failed a number of tests leading to his 2019 fight with Anthony Joshua being postponed.

Eubank Jr has also offered to pay for a boxing fan to have his tattoo of Benn removed.  

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