Conor Benn will return to action on Saturday when he takes on the little-known Mexican Rodolfo Orozco.
The fight will mark the 26-year-old’s return to the ring after a 17-month hiatus as he seeks to resurrect his postponed clash with long-time rival Chris Eubank Jr.
The original fight between the two was scrapped following Benn twice testing positive for clomifene in 2022.
Following the positive tests in October Benn handed back his licence and has not held one with the British Boxing Board of Control since.
However, Benn is still set to fight this weekend with the unresolved doping case – that could see him banned from the sport – still hanging over his head.
Conor Benn will make his return from a 17-month hiatus against Rodolfo Orozco
How has Benn been allowed to return?
Despite his ban in Britain being lifted by the National Anti-Doping panel in July, the fighter is still facing a potential two-year suspension from the sport in this country.
This is due to British Board of Boxing Control along with UK Anti-Doping having appealed the decision, as first reported by Mail Sport.
Despite this, the former WBA Contintental Welterweight chamion has been handed a licence by the Texas State Athletic Commission.
Benn has consistently maintained his innocence and has previously pointed to the NADP ruling as ‘vindication’ of his such.
Sources have told Mail Sport though, that the hearing did not focus on the key question of how the banned substance entered his body.
Instead, one strand of the argument deployed by Benn’s legal team is believed to have nosed on the right of UKAD to rule on samples collected by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association.
As such, Benn’s return on a licence granted by the Texas State Athletic Commission will be seen as contentious.
Conor Benn has been handed a licence by the Texas State Athletic Commission
What has Been said about Benn’s return?
Ahead of his fight against Orozco Conor Benn said: ‘I am undefeated in the ring and in spirit. A return on Saturday is a step closer to redemption.
‘After that, I’m putting the 147-160 divisions on notice. You are looking at a determined man with a deep desire to beat them all.’
Benn’s promoter Eddie Hearn said: ‘Conor Benn is back and I’m looking forward to seeing him pick up where he left off.
‘He’s ready to go straight in for a big fight now but his trainer Tony Sims will be pleased to get him back sooner against a game opponent in Rodolfo Orozco.’