Conor Benn cleared to fight in England again as UK Anti-Doping decide against appealing lifted drugs ban with boxing star posting cryptic update on his future

Conor Benn has been cleared to fight in England again after UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) decided against appealing the previous ruling made by the National Anti-Doping Panel (NADP).

The British fighter’s future has been under a cloud of controversy since Mail Sport revealed in October 2022 that the banned substance clomifene had twice been detected in samples.

The 28-year-old had his highly-anticipated bout against Chris Eubank Jr cancelled as a result but was partially reprieved earlier in the month as his doping suspension was lifted in a shock twist in the two-year saga over the two positive drugs tests.

Clearing Benn of charges, the National Anti-Doping Panel ruled in the boxer’s favour, saying they were ‘not comfortably satisfied’ that UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) had proved Benn committed a violation of the rules.

Now, UKAD has opted not to appeal the decision to allow Benn to return to the ring after letting the appeal deadline pass, however there could still be further intervention by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Announcing their decision to not contest the NADP’s stance regarding Benn’s previous failed tests, a UKAD spokesperson confirmed the organisation’s willingness to let the 28-year-old compete again.

The British fighter’s future has been under a cloud of controversy since Mail Sport revealed in October 2022 that the banned substance clomifene had twice been detected in samples

A statement announced: ‘UKAD has completed its review of the decision of the independent National Anti-Doping Panel (NADP) dated 6 November 2024 concerning professional boxer Mr Conor Benn. 

‘Following the expiry of UKAD’s appeal deadline yesterday, we can confirm that UKAD has decided not to file an appeal with the National Anti-Doping Panel.

‘As with all anti-doping cases and in accordance with the UK Anti-Doping Rules, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has a separate right of appeal and an extended deadline to file any appeal.’

UKAD further explained: ‘In accordance with Article 8.5.2 of the UK Anti-Doping Rules, UKAD is unable to publicly disclose the decision of the independent National Anti-Doping Panel at this time without Mr Benn’s consent.’

Benn posted a cryptic reply to the announcement by sharing a simple ‘shushing’ emoji on his X profile just minutes after UKAD stated their official position.

WADA now have 21 days to submit an appeal against the NADP’s ruling and it remains to be seen whether the regulatory body will do so as Benn targets a return to competitive action.

Benn posted this cryptic update on his X profile in response to UKAD’s ruling on Thursday

Chris Eubank Jr (left) could be finally set to fight Benn now the 28-year-old has been cleared

Benn has had two low-key fights in the US since his failed tests after relinquishing his British Boxing Board of Control licence at the height of the situation

Benn, who has had two low-key fights in the US since his failed tests after relinquishing his British Boxing Board of Control licence at the height of the situation, is targeting fights with Gervonta Davis, Devin Haney and Eubank Jr. 

The welterweight competitor previously hailed the NADP’s decision earlier in the month, stating: ‘This past 24 months has unquestionably been the toughest fight of my life. A rollercoaster period within which the WBC had already decided that I was innocent and the NADP decided in the first instance that there was no case to answer and I was free to fight.

‘As someone who is so passionate about boxing and an advocate for clean sport, I hope now I have been cleared it can be understood why I have maintained my innocence so strongly throughout.’

‘As a man of God I bear no ill will toward UKAD or the British Boxing Board of Control, we have a shared ambition of a clean sport and I look forward to reconciling with the board and moving forward together.’