British boxer Conor Benn is ready to rumble again after the National Doping Panel (NADP) lifted his provisional suspension and cleared him of any wrongdoing, Afrosport reports.
The 28-year-old failed two drug tests in 2022 after testing positive for performance enhancing drugs. The Brit tested positive on two separate occasions for the fertility drug clomifene, which enhances testosterone levels in men.
The aftermath of Benn’s test led to the cancellation of his much talked about fight with British rival Chris Eubank Jr., which was initially slated for London’s O2 Arena on October 8, 2022.
Although the NADP in July 2023 lifted the provisionally suspension handed to Benn after the British Boxing Board of Control revoked his licence, the boxer was subsequently unable to fight as it was reinstated by the UK Anti-Doping Agency (AKAD) again in May this year.
However, the NADP, for the second time, has now lifted the provisional suspension stating that it was “not comfortably satisfied” that UKAD had proved Benn had committed a doping offence.
Benn can now book fights and explore his long-awaited clash with Eubank Jr. or other fighters.
The Brit released a statement on social media, reacting to his ban been lifted.
He wrote: “I am thankful that after an incredibly challenging two years, the National Anti-Doping Panel has today finally cleared me of any wrongdoing.
“As someone who is so passionate about boxing and an advocate for clean sport, I hope now that I have been cleared, it can be understood why I have maintained my innocence so strongly throughout.”
#TeamBenn pic.twitter.com/mGvcPraQHi
— Conor Nigel Benn (@ConorNigel) November 6, 2024
UKAD, however, said it would “carefully review” the NADP ruling before deciding on its line of action
