Eddie Hearn says Conor Benn will be fighting ‘sooner than you think’ as Brit awaits punishment for failed drug tests
EDDIE HEARN has claimed Conor Benn will be back "sooner than you think" - despite his multiple failed drug tests.
The welterweight prospect failed TWO drug tests in the build-up to his historic catchweight clash with Chris Eubank Jr in October, which was ultimately scrapped.
Trace amounts of the female fertility drug Clomiphene - which can raise testosterone levels in men - were twice discovered in Benn's system.
The WBC are expected to return a verdict on their investigation by the end of the month.
And promoter Hearn believes the evidence provided will pave the way for The Destroyer to make a swift return to the ring.
He told : "I can’t wait because I think a lot of people will be surprised by what’s about to come out about Conor Benn.
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“I think he’s going to be fighting sooner than you think.
"If he does receive a ban, which from the information that we have, I don’t think it’s necessarily it’s fair.
"But if it is, I don’t think it’s going to be a long ban at all.
“I don’t want to be too cocksure, but I think it’s going to be really interesting about what comes out here.
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“I think there’s a very good chance that he won’t be receiving a ban.
"Again, I can’t say too much, but that information. This is an independent [investigation].
"This is a legal system that is being rolled through people with all the news and facts.
“In my opinion, from what I’ve seen, if there is a ban, it cannot be a sizable ban from the facts that will be produced."
Benn, 26, has maintained his innocence from the get-go, insisting he never intentionally ingested the banned substance found in his system.
But his plea won't stop him from receiving a ban from the WBC, who removed him from their rankings following his anti-doping infractions.
Hearn added: "Whatever that result is, is the result.
"He’s either going to be cleared to fight, or he’s going to receive a ban.
“When that ban finishes, if that is the case, he will fight again, or if he’s cleared to fight immediately, he will fight again.
"He’s back in the gym.
"Mentally now, he needs to get his head in the game and prepare to resume his career at some point, which will be determined."
A dark cloud will hang over Benn - the son of British boxing great Nigel - regardless of is he's cleared of intentionally doping.
He told SunSport: “Trace amounts were found. The tiniest of traces. The only thing I can think of is contamination.
“I’ve not taken anything. I never have done, never would. It’s not what I stand for, it’s not what my team stands for.
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“Why would I take the biggest fight of my life, sign up to VADA — voluntary anti-doping — and then take this substance?
“If you Google this substance, it stays in your system for months. Do I look like an idiot?”