WBC set to decide on whether Conor Benn can retake his place in their rankings in the next WEEK

A verdict on whether Conor Benn can regain his place in the WBC’s rankings is expected to be made within the next week.

The fighter was suspended from his spot at No 5 in their welterweight standings in November on the back of Sportsmail‘s revelations that he twice tested positive for the banned substance clomifene in samples collected by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association on July 25 and September 1.

Benn is currently under scrutiny by both the WBC, whose remit is limited to determining if he can appear in their rankings, and a separate, slower-burning investigation by UK Anti-Doping and the British Boxing Board of Control. 

A verdict on whether Conor Benn can regain his place in the WBC’s rankings is expected to be made within the next week

Only the outcome of the latter will establish if the 26-year-old is to be banned from fighting in this country.

While that UKAD and Board of Control probe has apparently run into road blocks, with Sportsmail reporting last week on claims of a lack of cooperation from the boxer’s team, Benn’s lawyers have handed over a 270-page dossier to the WBC.

Benn has previously expressed his confidence that he will be cleared by the WBC. 

British boxer Benn (right) was suspended from his No 5 spot after two failed drugs tests

It is understood that his team, spearheaded by Mike Morgan, has explored the possibility of accidental ingestion, via contamination and the heavy consumption of eggs, but sources have indicated that VADA’s testing procedure is also a strong area of interest.

The saga has gone on since Sportsmail first broke the news of Benn’s failed tests in October, ahead of his showdown with Chris Eubank Jr – a bout that was subsequently forbidden by the Board of Control. 

Benn has since opted to give up his licence with the Board, whose general secretary is believed to have requested a copy of the 270-page dossier without success.