With Ongoing UKAD Appeal Over Two Doping Tests Fiasco, Conor Benn in Talks for Boxing Return for September 23 Card in Florida

A loaded card awaits the audience at the Caribe Royale Hotel in Orlando, Florida, two weeks from now. Richardson Hitchins–Jose Zepeda Light Welterweight is a DAZN live stream scheduled for September 23. It features a Welterweight title bout, a regional challenge, and two other cards. As the news appears, there remains a high possibility that another card can turn up on fight night.

talkSPORT’s Michael Benson has a new update on Conor Benn. Reportedly, ‘The Destroyer’ might return to the ring with a fight against Ukrainian Ivan Redkach on the Hitchins-Zepeda card. The son of British boxing legend Nigel Benn fought a title defense in April last year. He was about to take on another legend’s son. But troubles ensued, with reports of Conor Benn failing two drug tests becoming public.

Conor Benn: An update

Since the official postponement of the Chris Eubank Jr. fight, which eventually never materialized, as it happened, Conor Benn ran from pillar to post to clear his name. In between the happy news of the WBC removing his name from any ‘intentional doping,’ dropped in the report of the UK Anti-Doping Agency (UKAD) provisionally suspending him from all sporting activities on March 15.

The situation went through twists and turns. Conor Benn claimed to have resorted to fights outside the UK since he surrendered his British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC). But finally, he heaved a sigh of relief. On July 28, he updated that UKAD had lifted the suspension, enabling him to fight in the United Kingdom. The governing body stated, “UKAD can confirm Mr. Benn is no longer provisionally suspended under the UK Anti-Doping Rules.”

However, they notified on reserving their rights to appeal the National Anti-Doping Panel’s (NADP) decision within 21 days. BBBoC acknowledged it as well. After twenty days, their statement read: “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. The said appeal shall be dealt with in accordance with the relevant rules. In accordance with those, the BBBoC is unable to comment further at this time.”

Thus, given that the proceedings are still in force, it remains to be seen how the situation eventually turns out—favorable or unfavorable for Conor Benn.

Options galore

Present at the ringside of the Eubank Jr.-Smith bout, Conor Benn reportedly remained unimpressed with the former’s performance. While fans might want the two to complete the unfinished business, reports of ‘The Destroyer’ returning to Florida must have startled many. But then there are also talks of a Manny Pacquiao fight. Hence, against which opponent Benn finally lines up remains something everyone is eagerly looking forward to.

Read More: “Man’s a Clown”: Amid Doping Test Debacle, Conor Benn’s Apology Doesn’t Sit Well With the Boxing World

If cleared completely, do you think Conor Benn should first complete the pending business with Chris Eubank Jr.? Please share your thoughts and views with us in the comments below.

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