‘They’ve got it in for me’ – Conor Benn claims BBBofC plotting against him after failed drugs tests and Eubank fight axe
CONOR BENN claims the British Boxing Board of Control is plotting against him.
The 26-year-old welterweight has confirmed he failed two VADA tests - taken in July and September - and the governing body was still happy for his fight with Chris Eubank Jr on October 8 to go ahead.
But they eventually withdrew their sanctioning of the controversial catchweight clash with just two days to go - without banning Benn - before hitting him with misconduct charges and a £50,000 fine last Friday.
He ripped up his licence before the hearing, based on a dispute around confidentiality and who has jurisdiction over his VADA tests.
Benn, who reckons he could have given a positive test because of contaminated food or drink, is ready to spend hundreds of thousands of pounds to prove his innocence.
He is refusing to cooperate with the BBBofC, who his legendary father Nigel also endured a fractious relationship with during his own career.
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Benn said: “I won’t be boxing under the British board ever again. Now I know why my dad ripped up his licence on TV.
“I will not box for them ever again. The way they have gone about this. The way they knew about this.
“They could have pulled the fight. I’ve given my licence back. I won’t be boxing for them ever again.
“As far as I’m concerned the board can do one. I’ve got nothing to hide but as far as I’m concerned they’ve got it in for me.
"All the fighters who have tested positive and been cleared to fight. But with me they left it until days before the fight.
“I don’t know what their reasons are. Could it be because my dad ripped up his licence on TV? I don’t know. I don’t think they care about my innocence.”
Benn Sr ripped up his British licence on live TV in August 1990 after beating Iran Barkley in Las Vegas.
Nigel was in dispute with the BBBofC over the recognition of his WBO world title and the opponents he was facing.
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But he boxed Chris Eubank Sr three months later in Birmingham, kicking off the Benn vs Eubank family feud that remains bitter to this day.
The BBBofC refused to comment when repeatedly approached by SunSport.