Conor Benn viciously KO’d Chris van Heerden in his last fight 18 months ago, and fans want to see if stunning power remains after drugs scandal
Conor Benn will return to the ring after almost 18 months when he takes on Rodolfo Orozco this weekend.
Despite the controversy that still surrounds him and the ongoing appeal over his two positive drugs test from last year, the 26-year-old welterweight contender will be back in action on Saturday night in Orlando, Florida.
Benn twice tested positive for the banned PED clomifene in two separate VADA drugs tests last year, and an appeal over his UKAD (UK Anti-Doping) case remains ongoing.
A ruling made by the NADP (National Anti-Doping Panel) saw Benn's suspension lifted in July, clearing the way for him to fight for the first time in a year-and-a-half.
It has been reported that the decision to lift Benn's suspension was 'focused heavily' on jurisdictional technicalities - specifically UKAD’s inability to rule on VADA tests - and did not include any examination of science explaining why clomifene was found in Benn's system.
Last month, UKAD and the BBBofC (British Boxing Board of Control) appealed the NADP ruling - and this has no clear resolution yet.
Conor Benn Latest
Regardless, Benn is no longer suspended and so will return on Saturday night having obtained a licence to box in the USA.
When he last boxed, Benn moved to 21-0 (14 KOs) by viciously knocking out Chris van Heerden in two rounds.
A hard right hand stunned the South African, who was then bludgeoned to the canvas with a blistering combination.
Boxing fans will be keen to see whether Benn still retains his famous power against Orozco.
