Matchroom Sport Statement: We have been made aware that a random anti-doping test for Conor Benn conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association returned an adverse analytical finding for trace amounts of a fertility drug. The B sample has yet to be tested, meaning that no rule violation has been confirmed. Indeed, Mr Benn has not been charged with any rule violation, he is not suspended, and he remains free to fight. Mr. Benn has since passed a doping control test conducted by the UK Anti-Doping Agency, the anti-doping authority to which the British Board of Boxing Control has delegated its doping control testing for the bout. Mr Benn has passed all doping control tests conducted by UKAD. Both fighters have taken medical and legal advice, are aware of all relevant information, and wish to proceed with the bout this Saturday. |
Go Boxing Questions the Validity and Correctness of Matchroom’s statement:
Quite simply when a boxer fails a drug test their license should be immediately suspended.
Matchroom state that the ‘B’ Sample is yet to be tested so Conor Benn has not violated any rule – That is not correct, by failing a drug test Conor Benn has violated anti-doping rules and should immediately be suspended whilst awaiting the results of the ‘B’ Sample test.
The proposed fight should not go ahead or be rescheduled until after the ‘B’ sample test results have been announced. If positive a lengthy ban and substantial fine should be the punishment, if negative the proposed contest should only then be scheduled.