Boxing chief claims Conor Benn ‘deserves’ world title shot after being cleared to fight in the UK again following two failed drugs test

Conor Benn ‘deserves’ a world title shot after he was cleared to fight in the UK again, the WBC president has claimed. 

Benn has not fought in the UK since he failed two drugs tests in 2022 but is now set to return to home soil after his suspension was lifted by the independent National Anti-Doping Panel last month. 

The UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) and British Board of Boxing Control decided not to appeal that decision. 

A clash with Chris Eubank Jr has long been mooted for Benn after their initial fight was cancelled two years ago following his positive tests.

However, Benn could get a shot at the WBC welterweight title by facing current champion Mario Barrios if the clash with Eubank does not go ahead.   

Mauricio Sulaiman, the WBC president, told Sky Sports : ‘I have had communications with him, we have been very open and he deserves to be fighting for the world title and I hope he does so soon.

A clash with Chris Eubank Jr has long been mooted for Benn after their initial fight was cancelled

‘He has been on the waiting list for a long time. We have kept him on the correct ranking.

‘We have been very clear and precise. Conor Benn had a process under the [WBC’s] Clean Boxing Programme in which he was completely freed and pronounced not guilty.

‘We did a very extensive analysis with very important experts on the case and we provided the ruling.’

Benn previously told the same outlet: ‘Hopefully we can make the Barrios fight, if it isn’t Eubank next. Fight Barrios for the WBC world title February, March. I’m just excited to be back.

‘I’m here now. I’ve remained in the gym, I’ve stayed working. I’m excited to give the British public the fights they want. Whether that’s a world title, whether that’s big domestic clashes, I’m a fighter through and through and I’ve proven that in the last two years, how much of a fighter I am.

‘I’ve shown more dedication and grit and discipline in the past two years than I have done my whole career.’

Benn’s last fight was back in February when he overcame Pete Dobson by a unanimous decision in Las Vegas.

Benn ‘deserves’ a world title shot according to the WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman

Benn could get a shot at the WBC welterweight title by facing current champion Mario Barrios 

That was the 28-year-old’s 23rd professional fight and his 23rd win. Of those 23 victories, 14 have been achieved via knockout.

Meanwhile, 29-year-old Barrios has won 29 of his 32 career fights – 18 by knockout. His two losses came against Gervonta Davis and Keith Thurman.

Barrios retained his WBC title last month on the undercard of Jake Paul’s win over Mike Tyson when his fight with Abel Ramos was scored as a split draw (116-110 to Barrios, 114-112 to Ramos and 113-113) after both men were knocked down.