The Controversial Return of Conor Benn: WBC Codifies His Reinstatement to Rankings

The World Boxing Council (WBC) has formally reinstated Conor Benn into its welterweight rankings, placing him at No. 7 in the latest rankings released on Wednesday. This comes after the WBC concluded its investigation into Benn’s two positive drug tests for the banned substance clomiphene, in which it suggested that Benn unknowingly ingested the performance-enhancing substance due to an “elevated consumption of eggs.”

Benn, a British puncher, was previously ranked No. 5 with the WBC, but he was dropped from the rankings last year after failing two drug tests for the same substance. The WBC justified its decision based on statutes in its Clean Boxing Program, which requires all fighters ranked within the Top 15 across all weight classes to undergo testing by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association.

Although Benn remains absent from the rankings of other major sanctioning bodies, including the WBO, WBA, and IBF, he has publicly maintained his innocence and is eager to return to the ring. He has even stated that he is not concerned about the prospect of not fighting in his homeland for the foreseeable future.

Benn’s positive tests for clomiphene, a substance typically used by women to treat infertility, have raised concerns in the boxing community due to its potential to boost testosterone levels in men. However, Benn has recently contended that the substance was never in his body and has instead blamed laboratory procedures.

Despite ongoing investigations by the British Boxing Board of Control and the United Kingdom Anti-Doping, Benn is scheduled to return to the ring on June 3 in Abu Dhabi in a card promoted by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom. Eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao has been suggested as a potential opponent.

Benn’s reinstatement into the WBC rankings has generated mixed reactions, with some praising the WBC for its leniency while others expressing concerns over the organization’s handling of doping violations. Nonetheless, Benn’s return to the limelight highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity of the sport through rigorous anti-doping measures and strict enforcement of regulations.