“Make the Evidence Public”: Fans Skeptical of Conor Benn’s Innocence Despite WBC Clearance

Last year, the boxing world awoke to a rude shock. The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC), through an announcement on October 5, aborted the fight between WBA Continental Welterweight title holder Conor Benn, son of boxing legend Nigel Benn, and Chris Eubank Jr., son of another great Chris Eubank Sr.

Titled “Born Rivals,” the reason for the match cancellation was the former’s failure to clear a drug test. The BBBofC took the decision based on the tests conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Authority (VADA).

Conor Benn assists WBC

In the meantime, Benn renounced his boxing license with the British boxing’s governing body before it tabled charges of misbehavior against him. While the allegations against him stood confirmed, Benn maintained that it had nothing to do with the failed drug tests. Rather, his tiff with BBBofC centered around two factors – first, confidentiality issues, and second, who should be presiding over the VADA test results.

Later reports filtered in that on December 17 last year, Benn’s team handed over a 270-page document to the WBC to present their side of the story. On the other hand, not privy to such developments, an official from BBofC stated, “The information we require, we haven’t received. For whatever reason Mr Benn’s legal team have decided. They’ve sent a [270-page] document to the WBC, we have not seen that.”

Conor Benn duly responded, “Don’t worry, Robert Smith @BBBofCuk, you’ll be hearing from my lawyers!!”

Read More: ‘Conor Benn Will Be Vindicated’: Trainer Remains in Denial Despite Boxer Failing Doping Test

The affair now seems to have moved whereby yesterday talkSPORT’s Michael Benson shared a message, “The WBC have now ruled in their investigation into Conor Benn’s positive drugs tests that there is “no conclusive evidence” he intentionally/knowingly ingested clomifene. WBC accepted Benn’s “highly-elevated consumption of eggs” as “reasonable explanation” for positive tests.”

But the entire chain of events seems to have soured the fans’ taste. Many retweeted their disbelief and many their personal opinions.

Still not there; fans shout out

@elliots95 stated that the decision of the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) counts more in this situation. More so, the credibility of WBC has been at stake ever since it decided to award a ranking to crossover boxer Jake Paul in case he wins the bout against Tommy Fury.

@AshleyTheophane responded to @elliots95 that Benn passed the tests mandated by BBBofC; hence if the WBC also decides to clear him, there’s no point in keeping him away from the next bout!

@BoxingTalk_UK said that WBC is probably afraid of a lawsuit it might face if the ruling is unfavorable. Hence for the sake of transparency, they should place the findings for the fans and followers to see, and then probably the situation might be more apparent.

Finally, @UImmI92 shared his skepticism about why Benn and his team would have gone to a body like WBC. After all, they deemed Jake Paul fit enough for a ranking placement if he defeats Tommy Fury! Or probably, it could be because Benn is a big-time crowd puller and won’t hesitate to shell the ‘sanctioning fee.’

For sure, he avoided the BBBofC purposefully.

@MattMannion4 wondered if WBC found Benn’s justifications acceptable, then why did last year’s fight against Chris Eubank Jr. get canceled?

@BBQ_tiddie called the entire episode preposterous. According to him, Benn cheated by resorting to banned drugs. His name will remain tarnished even if he hires the best lawyers and image makeovers.

@fluffyrocket27 rationalized that it is not for an organization like WBC to clear a boxer’s name. It’s not a sanctioning body. Conor Benn was found guilty of taking banned drugs; that’s what matters.

If it helps, remember WBC does not govern boxers. They can strip a fighter of titles, belts, and rankings. Additionally, even Mauricio Sulaiman, WBC President, clarified that the body would consider the single test under the auspices of WBC’s “VADA Clean Boxing Program.”

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What is your take on the reactions? Do share your views and thoughts with us in the comments below.