In an emotional exclusive interview with well-known British television presenter, Piers Morgan, Conor Benn revealed some of the emotional and mental distress that plagued him since his fight with Chris Eubank Jr. was canceled due to allegations of steroid use. In a more-than-twenty minute interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored, Conor Benn maintained his innocence while also giving his view on the entire situation.
With the public still unconvinced of Conor Benn’s innocence following the revelation of his drug test failures, Benn sought to give his own side of the story. Appearing as a guest on Piers Morgan’s talk show, Benn showed frustration towards how he was being perceived.
“I think the public’s made up their mind already. Irrelevant of what’s presented. Irrelevant of what the boards say.” Conor Benn said. “I’ve worked harder and made loads of sacrifices, and I’m willing to do what other people aren’t willing to do. That’s why I am where I’m at. Not because of cheating.“
When asked on how he felt about the public’s sentiment towards him that he had cheated, Benn nearly broke down as he discussed his ordeals.
“I didn’t think I was going to make it through this period.” Benn confessed. “I didn’t think I was going to make it through.
“They were shaming me for something I hadn’t even done. It’s hard because I was feeling like I was on death row.“
Conor Benn also opened on the feelings of suicide that he was experiencing during this period.
“I was taking it day-by-day. I didn’t think I’d see another day.” Benn tearfully expressed.
He also clarified his stance on what had seemed like him blaming VADA through his earlier messages on social media.
“I’m not saying it was deliberate. There may have been an error in the testing. I’m not saying anyone in the labs has deliberately done this.” Benn maintained. “I’m not saying that at all, but there may have been an accident, there may have been an error.“
Both Conor Benn, and his father Nigel Benn – who also made an impromptu appearance on Piers Morgan Uncensored, seemed unwilling to divulge the 270-page report – that was said to have evidence of Benn’s innocence – to the BBBofC (British Boxing Board of Control) which governs and sanctions all fights in the UK and was responsible for cancelling planned fight between Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr.
Benn’s attitude might have to do with the BBBofC alleged to have conducted “unfair and biased procedure” when it came to his case, and the British Welterweight even further fueled the flames of his conflict with the BBBofC by declaring he would be seeking legal retribution from the board citing the reasn as being “because the board shouldn’t recognize VADA”.
Nigel Benn also seemed to mirror the belief that BBBofC was up to no good.
“The same way I feel they’re digging into Conor, and not into other fighters, is the same way they dealt with me.” Nigel Benn said, referring to the period when the British governing body refused to reinstate his license when he planned on making a comeback to the ring.
Piers Morgan proposed several key questions that were still left unanswered or vague by both Benns, particularly why Conor Benn couldn’t just release the 270-page report that would go a long way in at least changing the public perception, if not help his case of proving is innocence.
“I still don’t think that proves my innocence at all.” Conor Benn replied. “I’ve just been cleared by the organization (VADA) in which the tests were found.“
While VADA haven’t particularly cleared Conor Benn of anything – as they don’t have the authority to do so, they have concluded that the evidence they had on Benn potentially cheating was inconclusive. Conor Benn also expressed some apprehension at what would happen if he released the documents.
“I don’t know what it is that they got in for me.” Benn retorted. “I don’t know what vendetta there is.“
While Conor Benn has already relinquished his British license, he is still able to fight internationally, or even domestically, once he receives an international boxing license, according to his promoter, Eddie Hearn. Even with the British Welterweight still embroiled in a legal battle to prove his innocence, the fighter is currently rumored to fight Manny Pacquiao next. “Pacman” hasn’t been active since suffering a UD loss to Yordenis Ugas in 2021, and was considered retired since his announcement shortly after his fight with Ugas.
