Conor Benn is yet to reapply for a licence to box professionally in the UK, despite the National Anti-Doping Panel (NADP) lifting his suspension last month.
The 28-year-old tested positive for clomiphene, a banned substance, on two separate occasions before his cancelled showdown with Chris Eubank Jr back in 2022.
Shortly after failing the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA) tests, Benn was handed a subsequent suspension that ensured he could no longer fight in the UK.
Despite that, the Brit has continued to ply his trade in America, securing unanimous decision victories over two relatively unknown opponents ahead of his potential homecoming.
Robert Smith confirms his stance on Conor Benn’s professional boxing licence
During his two-year hiatus from a British boxing ring, Benn has maintained his desire to face domestic rival Eubank.
Once again, the pair came face-to-face following Eubank’s victory on the undercard of Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol in October, hoping to generate more excitement around their possible showdown.
But while the two combatants remain determined to settle their score, Benn could be presented with an opportunity to earn his first world title shot instead.
The son of legendary boxer Nigel Benn is ranked number two by the WBC, eying a potential clash with welterweight titlist Mario Barrios.
Regardless of who he fights next, though, Benn will need to reapply for a British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) licence should he wish to stage his outing on home soil.
And seemingly, the General Secretary of the BBBoC, Robert Smith, cannot see any hurdles being placed in the unbeaten contender’s way.
“He’s obviously had his suspension lifted so I can’t see any reason why he can’t box once he’s been granted a licence,” Smith told talkSPORT.
“We haven’t received any [application] from him yet. When we receive it, we’ll consider it in the normal manner. I can’t see any reason why he wouldn’t [be approved].”
Has Conor Benn cleared his name following UKAD suspension?
While Benn is likely to be granted a UK boxing licence, it will nonetheless be difficult for him to change the public’s perception of his reputation.
The NADP, of course, has lifted his suspension, with UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) ultimately deciding to uphold the independent body’s decision.
But still, it is clear that this drawn-out process has, in turn, left a stain on the career of Benn, who is yet to provide any evidence of how clomiphene was found in his system.
And so, it would appear that a degree of transparency is needed in order to improve fans’ faith in the sport’s drug testing process.