The WBC rule there is ‘NO conclusive evidence’ that Conor Benn intentionally took clomifene

The WBC have ruled that there is ‘no conclusive evidence’ that Conor Benn intentionally ingested the banned substance clomifene after he failed two drugs tests last year.

Sportsmail broke the news of Benn testive positive for clomifene just three days before he was due to fight Chris Eubank Jr in a grudge match at the O2 Arena in October. The contest was called off just two days before it was due to take place and Benn later admitted that he had tested positive for the substance twice.

The 26-year-old protested his innocence, claiming that the substance could have got into his system due to eating a high number of eggs in the build-up to the fight, and he submitted a 270-page document to the WBC to try and clear his name in December.

Having investigated the matter, the WBC have now revealed their findings. The organisation said the ‘highly elevated consumption of eggs…raised a reasonable explanation for the adverse finding’.

In a statement released on Wednesday afternoon, the WBC concluded: ‘(1) there was no conclusive evidence that Mr. Benn engaged in intentional or knowing ingestion of Clomiphene; (2) there were no failures in the procedures related to sample collection, sample analysis, or violations of Mr. Benn’s B Sample rights that would justify questioning or invalidating the Adverse Finding; and (3) Mr. Benn’s documented and highly-elevated consumption of eggs during the times relevant to the sample collection, raised a reasonable explanation for the adverse finding.’

The WBC has also concluded Benn didn’t intentionally ingest the banned substance clomifene

Benn’s fight with Chris Eubank Jr was cancelled after the former failed two drugs tests

Sportsmail exclusively revealed last month that Benn was set to re-enter the WBC’s rankings despite his failed tests, and the governing body have confirmed this will be the case.

The statement continued: ‘The WBC shall include Mr. Benn in its ratings during the period immediately following the issuance of its ruling. 

‘Mr. Benn’s position in the WBC Ratings shall be based solely on his merit and the customary factors the WBC Ratings Committee apply to rating boxers.’

Prior to failing his drugs tests, Benn was ranked fifth by the WBC.

Benn has been out of the ring since last April but is keen to get his career going again.

However, his situation with UKAD and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC) could complicate matters.

Benn relinquished his British boxing licence in October after allegations of misconduct levelled against him were upheld. 

BBBC general secretary Robert Smith has also confirmed to Sportsmail that he has not been given the 270-page dossier that Benn handed over to the WBC amid claims that the boxer’s team have not been cooperative with the BBBC. 

It remains to be seen whether the BBBC will choose to take any further action against Benn following the WBC’s ruling.