Conor Benn is back in the headlines! Rival Chris Eubank Jr. just smacked Benn across the face with an egg during their press conference face-off in Manchester, starting what is shaping up to be a blockbuster all-British fight. However, did you know, this fight was originally supposed to happen years ago?

The pair were slated to clash in the ring back in October 2022, but Benn failed two voluntary drug tests, which forced the fight to be canceled. This started Benn’s two-year-long struggle with the anti-doping agencies before his suspension was finally lifted last November. But the question is, was Benn’s suspension lifted based on technicality? Let’s find out!

What did Conor Benn test positive for?

Conor Benn tested positive for Clomifene, a banned substance, in two separate drug tests leading up to his highly anticipated fight against Chris Eubank Jr. Clomifene, a female fertility drug, has no medical use for men but is known to enhance testosterone levels by up to 50%, according to experts like Victor Conte. It is listed as a performance-enhancing drug by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA).

The first failed test conducted by VADA occurred in early September 2022, but it was not publicly revealed until a report by The Daily Mail in October. Both Benn and Eubank’s teams were notified, yet the fight was still set to proceed until media scrutiny forced action. The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) and UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) eventually stepped in and refused to sanction the bout, leading to its postponement.

Despite the controversy, Benn has maintained his innocence, insisting he is a clean fighter. However, his lack of a clear explanation has only fueled skepticism. The scandal not only damaged his reputation but also exposed inconsistencies in boxing’s handling of PED violations, with promoters and sanctioning bodies seemingly willing to overlook positive tests until public pressure forces action.

Conor Benn’s controversial ban lift – Was ‘egg’ a reason behind it?

Conor Benn’s path back to boxing has been anything but straightforward. After failing two drug tests before his canceled fight with Chris Eubank Jr. in October 2022, Benn was suspended for testing positive for the banned substance clomifene, and his license was revoked. However, he has now been cleared by both the WBC and the UK’s National Anti-Doping Panel (NADP), sparking fresh debate.

Initially, the WBC ruled that Benn’s “highly elevated consumption of eggs” could have been a reasonable explanation for the adverse finding. While this reasoning was widely mocked, the UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) investigation later failed to conclusively prove that Benn had intentionally taken the substance. However, Benn was still not given his boxing license back, which would allow him to fight in the UK.

As a result, the NAPD lifted his suspension, allowing him to fight again. After their appeal for a suspension was shot down, BBBofC and UKAD decided not to appeal the NADP ruling a second time. And since he is fighting Eubank Jr. at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, it’s very likely his license has also been reinstated by the BBBofC.

Chris Eubank slaps Conor Benn in reference to his suspension

The heated rivalry between Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn boiled over at their latest press conference when Eubank smashed an egg across Benn’s face—mocking the failed drug tests that derailed their initial 2022 clash. The dramatic moment sparked a chaotic on-stage brawl involving Eubank Jr. and his team and Benn, his promoter Eddie Hearn, and his father, Nigel Benn on the other side.

Eubank, referencing the WBC’s claim that Benn’s positive clomiphene test could have been caused by egg contamination, later tweeted, “Apparently, egg contamination was the reason for his two failed drug tests. So I contaminated him with an egg.” Benn, furious over the stunt, fired back, “That’s the only shot you’ll land on me, you f**ing p**k. Two rounds, you’re finished.” 

The verbal war escalated as Eubank accused Benn of being financially tied to Hearn, claiming the promoter owned Benn’s house and cars. Benn, in turn, mocked Hearn’s rumored gambling debts, saying, “He owes Neymar £4m, that’s why he’s taken the fight.” With Benn moving up two weight classes for the April 26 showdown, tensions are at an all-time high. Whether this fight lives up to the chaos outside the ring remains to be seen.

That said, Conor Benn’s suspension wasn’t lifted for technical reasons but rather under unusual and unprecedented circumstances—drawing criticism and mockery from fans and experts alike. This highlights how fighters can navigate around failed doping tests despite testing positive for banned substances. What’s your take on the matter?