Conor Benn to 'fight to death to prove innocence' after provisional suspension

Conor Benn, who competes at welterweight, is undefeated in 22 bouts

Conor Benn says he is willing to "fight to the death to prove his innocence" after a provisional doping suspension in 2022.

The 27-year-old failed two Voluntary Anti-Doping Association tests before his cancelled bout with Chris Eubank Jr in October 2022.

He tested positive for female fertility drug clomifene, but has always denied intentionally taking it.

Benn does not hold a boxing licence in the UK.

"I'm willing to spend every last penny I have and fight to the death to prove my innocence," he told ITV's Good Morning Britain.

"My name matters more to me than anything else, fighting is fighting, but your name stands forever and so for me it's been hard, it's been challenging, but I've got a good team around me."

Clomifene can be used to boost testosterone levels in men and is banned inside and outside competition by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Benn's last fight in the UK was in April 2022. In September he returned to the ring, fighting under a US licence when he defeated Rodolfo Orozco in Florida.

"There's many things in my life I've gone through, this is probably one of the worst things. I wouldn't wish this upon my worst enemy," he added.

Benn fights in the United States on 3 February when he faces American Peter Dobson in Las Vegas.

In March 2023, UK Anti-Doping (Ukad) provisionally suspended Benn but the National Anti-Doping Panel lifted the suspension in July after a hearing.

Ukad and the British Boxing Board of Control have appealed against that decision.

Benn, who has won all 22 of his professional bouts, is scheduled to fight Peter Dobson on 3 February in Las Vegas.