The British Boxing Board of Control and UK Anti-Doping have appealed the decision to lift Conor Benn’s suspension from boxing.
Benn has been out of the ring for 16 months after failing two drugs tests ahead of his cancelled fight with Chris Eubank Jr last October, but appeared to be nearing a comeback after the independent National Anti-Doping Panel lifted his suspension in July.
However, while Benn claimed he had been “vindicated” and declared that the saga had “formally ended”, the BBBoC and UKAD still had a window to appeal that decision and they have now opted to do so.
A statement read: “The British Boxing Board of Control Limited (BBBoC) can confirm that it has filed an appeal in respect of the decision of the independent National Anti-Doping Panel in anti-doping proceedings brought by UKAD against Mr Benn.
“The BBBoC has an independent right to appeal the decision and, as the governing body for professional boxing in the United Kingdom and having due regard to its role and responsibilities, has elected to do so.
“The BBBoC can also confirm that UKAD has also appealed.”
It remains to be seen whether Benn proceeds with a comeback bout while the appeal process takes place, with promoter Eddie Hearn insisting he still has an international license and so is free to fight.
Responding to the confirmation of the appeal, Benn hit out at what he perceives to be an “agenda” against him and once again stated he remains confident of proving his innocence.
— Conor Nigel Benn (@ConorNigel) August 17, 2023
“I’m disappointed at the news of an appeal being made, having already been cleared by both the WBC and National Anti-Doping Panel to continue my career without restriction,” Benn said in a statement on social media.
“It was also disappointing to note that the media seemingly knew an appeal was being made before me or my legal team and that there have been further breaches of confidentiality. There is clearly an agenda against me and we have seen that from the start of this process.
“I am innocent. Nothing has changed and I remain confident in my position.”
