Conor Benn has claimed his team has proven his innocence after he failed two drug tests in the build-up to his ill-fated fight with Chris Eubank Jr.
The rising star was set to face bitter rival Eubank Jr in a huge domestic clash in October, but the fight was cancelled after Benn failed a voluntary VADA drug test ahead of his ring return. The British Boxing Board of Control refused to sanction the bout which left organisers with no choice but to cancel the showdown, before Benn elected to relinquish his licence.
Benn was subsequently removed from the world rankings and was set to undergo a number of disciplinary hearings to understand the fate of his boxing career. The British star has pleaded his innocence throughout the case, insisting that he did not take any banned substance prior to the clash.
And in a new statement clarifying the situation going into the new year, Benn wrote: "I want to start by saying this has been a very difficult time – not just for me, but my family and my team. I couldn’t have got through this without the love and support of those closest to me and my supporters who have stood by me, am forever grateful.
"It’s been really hard for me to accept that people think that I would do what I was accused of but what I’ve come to realise is people rush to judgement, without knowing the facts especially people in the boxing community (and, most disappointingly, even those that know me)."
Benn tested positive for banned substance Clomiphene in the build-up to his high-profile outing, but repeatedly insisted that there was a mistake during testing. The welterweight is now adamant the truth will come out in 2023 and has vowed it will be the year he achieves his dream of becoming world champion.
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He continued: “Although I’ve kept away from social media, I’m well aware of those who have thrown dirt on my name. I’ll forgive but I won’t forget. I’m thankful to my dad who has been with me through this whole period and I’m glad this nightmare is coming to an end for the sake of our combined mental health.
"Never did we think we’d go through something like this but they say the hardest fight is life and the adversity it brings. I want to make up for lost time and not let another moment go to waste. I’ve stayed in the gym and continued to work extremely hard, staying positive that my innocence will be proven and the truth will come out.
"My team has proven my innocence and the truth will soon come out. Until then, I won’t be commenting further due to confidentiality. There were times I feared it never would but we all had faith."
