Conor Benn’s failed drug tests’ official results have been made public, but talks about fighting Manny Pacquiao are still ongoing.
Before his unfortunate matchup with local challenger Chris Eubank Jr. Benn, 26, failed two drug tests in August last year.
The Destroyer believed his first test for the illegal drug clomifene, which came back negative, was “faulty,” but he later tested positive for the same drug in a subsequent test.
The British boxer later decided to renounce his British boxing license while he was being investigated. He has been working with a lawyer and a doctor to clear his name for months. The World Boxing Council (WBC) has been looking into the 270-page document Benn’s team provided that claims his innocence for a month.
Benn is not in any way suspended and is permitted to compete, according to Mauricio Sulaiman, president of the WBC. Early contract talks for a fight between Pacquiao and Benn have started, according to Eddie Hearn, the head of Matchroom Boxing.
“I wouldn’t be shocked if Conor Benn faced Manny Pacquiao next, but the contract hasn’t been signed yet. However, minor discussions have occurred a few times,” Hearn told Boxing King Media.
After Pacquiao lost to Yordenis Ugas in August 2021 to win the WBA welterweight title, Pacquiao, a former eight-weight world champion, announced his retirement from boxing. However, the boxing legend returned to the ring in December of last year in an exhibition match against YouTuber and “martial arts expert” DK Yoo.
After being given the all-clear, Benn has fought 21 times professionally and can’t wait to get back in the ring. Benn’s test failures have been the subject of a protracted investigation, and Hearn expressed annoyance over it. However, he also asserted that the British man could compete despite the lack of a formal ruling.
Hearn stated, “He’s back in training, wants to fight, and is told he can fight.”. He says, “Well, if this document shows my innocence and a commission will see that document and license me, I’m ready to fight. “We’re holding him back from that decision. When do we decide that enough time has passed and that another round of fighting is necessary? is the question I have for the circumstance.
