‘Conor Benn ought to disclose NADP choice if he needs to silence doubters on doping case’
Conor Benn has the power to show us all the National Anti-Doping Panel’s decision.
We wait for the British welterweight to deliver that information like he promised he would when he claimed the world would see why he is innocent of doping allegations. The National Anti-Doping Panel was ‘not comfortably satisfied’ that UKAD had proved that Benn had committed an Anti-Doping Rule Violation for the use of clomifene.
That prompted Benn to go on social media and declare he has been “cleared of any wrongdoing” by the independent panel. We’re delighted that he has finally had the charge dismissed and gone through the proper process, but there’s still questions.
His statement insisted he wanted to look forward and work with the British Boxing Board of Control and UKAD in harmony. He should be able to.
That comes after two years of bitter battles with both over his adverse analytical findings for the banned fertility drug in two tests administered by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association. The matter is not over yet, mind you. The BBBofC are “considering their position”.
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UKAD have stated they’re assessing the NADP decision and have 21 days to decide if they want to appeal the charge being dismissed and his suspension lifted.
Benn, 28, would now have to re-apply for his licence with the BBBofC to fight on these shores and that will entail a hearing where his actions over the last two years will be discussed.
But while we wait for all that why doesn’t Benn give UKAD the permission they need to disclose the full NADP decision on his case?
It makes a lot of sense to do so. The public will then be in no doubt about as to why he has not been sanctioned for an anti-doping violation. Was it because he proved it with science or was it because of procedural matters? We’re only asking the question, not making any allegations.
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It is what Benn and his promoter Eddie Hearn continually promised. Full disclosure on the case to prove why the fighter never internationally had the substance in his system.
It would go a long way to restoring the reputation of the boxer ahead of a potential comeback early next year, most likely against Chris Eubank Jr in Saudi Arabia.
Benn took to social media after his initial post to start calling out the usual names as he plots a big return to the ring. He now seems happy to play the heel character.
But if he wants to win back goodwill with the public then they deserve the full reasons as to why two anti-doping tests were not deemed substantial enough evidence for an anti-doping violation.
