Conor Benn could face FOUR-YEAR ban as UK anti-doping chiefs investigate positive drugs test

Conor Benn could face a FOUR-YEAR ban with UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) set to launch an investigation into his positive drugs test that postponed his bout against Chris Eubank Jr.

Benn returned an adverse finding for the banned substance clomifene conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA).

His failed drugs test led to the postponement of the blockbuster pay-per-view clash with Eubank Jr at the O2 Arena.

According to The Times, UKAD will now work with VADA to analyse the undefeated fighter's adverse result.

UKAD will reportedly request an analysis of the positive finding with VADA prepared to cooperate and hand over the necessary documentation.

The 26-year-old has maintained his innocence by stating that he's a 'clean athlete' and expressed his shock at the positive drugs test.

Conor Benn during a media workout. Image: Alamy

On social media, he wrote: "I am truly gutted that we are unable to make this fight happen on Saturday and I’m sorry to everyone who has been affected by the postponement.

"I am still completely shocked and surprised by this and it has My team and I will consider the next options including rescheduling the fight, but my immediate focus is on clearing my name because I am a clean athlete."

Speaking at a press conference to announce the postponement of Eubank Jr vs. Benn, Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn made it clear that his fighter is NOT suspended by the British Boxing Board of Control.

"We made the decision to postpone the fight. I want to make it clear that Conor Benn is not suspended by the British Boxing Board of Control," he said.

"We do feel that he hasn’t received due process in this situation like others before him.

"But at the same time, I’ve been involved with the sport since I was eight years old, it’s a sport we love, you see the feedback and we understand that some things have to be explored and some answers have to be found.

"And ultimately we have many options here to get this fight on. I’ve read a lot of stuff in the press - we were in court today for an injunction - not true. We were considering other commissions - not true. But we could’ve."

Topics: Boxing

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Darren Till. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

@NasJabbar