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Conor Benn won his comeback fight by unanimous decision over Rodolfo Orozco on Saturday night in Florida.

The 26-year-old welterweight contender did not have things all his own way as he returned to the ring amid controversy around the ongoing appeal in his UKAD case following two positive drugs tests last year.

Benn won, but was unable to score the stoppage against the tough Orozco
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Benn won, but was unable to score the stoppage against the tough OrozcoCredit: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom
Orozco had moments of success himself
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Orozco had moments of success himselfCredit: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom

The fight began with a fast start as Benn nailed Orozco with multiple hard right hands inside the opening minutes.

The Mexican took the punches well and showed no sign of wilting early on, instead attempting to use his size advantage to battle back.
Benn was firmly in control though and bloodied his opponent's face in round two.

Orozco had occasional moments of success, but the Brit's impressive head movement saw him avoid the vast majority of his slow winging shots.

In the third, Benn made a major breakthrough as he stunned Orozco and badly hurt him for the first time in the contest.

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Still, the Mexican stayed on his feet and willed himself forwards, pushing Benn back against the ropes later in the round.

Orozco continued his valiant efforts in the middle rounds of the ten-round contest and posed questions for the Brit while ultimately being outlanded.

Benn was consistently hammering home the more eye-catching and clean shots, while his Mexican foe had fleeting successes with his high pressure approach.

As they entered the final three rounds, Benn continued to land flush and yet was unable to make a serious dent in Orozco.

Regardless, he saw out the comfortable victory in the ninth and tenth and was declared the winner by unanimous decision with scores of 99-91, 99-91, 96-94.

Benn twice tested positive for the banned PED clomifene in two separate VADA drugs tests last year.

A ruling made by the NADP (National Anti-Doping Panel) in the 26-year-old's UKAD (UK Anti-Doping) case saw his suspension lifted in July, clearing the way for him to fight again.

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 actual 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 appeal has no clear resolution yet.

However, as he is no longer suspended, Benn obtained a Texas boxing licence and used it to return in Florida on Saturday night.

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