Conor Benn returned to winning ways in the United States but is still not allowed to fight in his native United Kingdom.
Despite chatter in the build-up to his ten-round win over Rodolfo Orozco, Benn is not licensed to fight on British soil. An appeal process by the British Boxing Board of Control and the UK Anti-Doping Agency remains ongoing.
If the BBBofC and UKAD win the appeal process, a temporary suspension that the National Anti-Doping Panel lifted would be reinstated. Benn would then have to fight the decision again and be unable to box anywhere until the conclusion of his case.
Heading over to Texas, a place where it’s notoriously easy to get a boxing license if you are ineligible elsewhere, was a wise move, fight-wise. It allowed Benn to blow off the cobwebs and simultaneously stick it to the UK authorities.
However, before Benn stepped into the ring, the BBBofC secretary Robert Smith outlined that the Londoner remains unpermitted to fight in its jurisdiction.
Conor Benn is not licensed to fight in the UK
“The only communication I’ve had is from journalists in Florida and the Florida Commission asking what the situation is,” Smith told talkSPORT.
“I’ve gone back and said the British Boxing Board of Control does not license him. There’s an appeal in process. Until that is dealt with, obviously, we can’t give him permission to box in this country for sure.
“If they’re happy to let him box over there, then ultimately, it’s up to them. That’s the trouble with no world governing body,” he added, due to the strange process involved.
Texas can ultimately ignore that Benn failed two drug tests, with his promoter Eddie Hearn insisting he’s cleared to fight.
Appeal
In reality, though, it’s a vast gray area. The BBBofC is sure Benn has not yet cleared his name, hence the actions against Benn.
“We’re appealing, along with UKAD, the NADP’s decision. We’re waiting for a date. We are a bit frustrated that getting a date is taking so long.
“We’re ready to go. I understand UKAD is ready to go. We’ve asked for a date as soon as possible.
“We were very disappointed with the original decision. If we were to lose the next one, we would be disappointed.
“But we’d have to take on board what the decision is. Then we would decide what we need to do [regarding allowing Benn to fight in the UK].”
