Updated:
Feb 1, 2023
Errol Spence Jr is under the impression the WBC will reinstate Conor Benn into their rankings despite the Brit failing two drug tests in 2022.
The current WBA, WBC, and IBF Welterweight Champion took to Twitter to express his opinion on the ongoing situation which has still not been fully resolved.
“How Benn will probably get reinstated if he failed twice”
Conor Benn, the son of the legendary Nigel Benn, failed a drug test in July and September for the female fertility drug Clomifene, which has been shown to boost testosterone in various studies.
‘The Destroyer’ was scheduled to face Chris Eubank Jr on October 8th at the O2 Arena in London at a catchweight of 157 lbs. However, the bout was cancelled due to Benn’s second failed test being revealed on the week of the fight.
As a result of the finding, Benn decided to relinquish his British boxing license in the same month, after a hearing by the British board made allocations of misconduct. During this time, the Essex native was also removed from the WBC rankings, losing his fifth-placed ranking.
Since this event, Benn has reportedly been uncooperative with UKAD who have attempted to investigate his failed tests with VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Association). Instead, switching the attention to the WBC’s investigation which now looks likely to exonerate Benn for illegal substances found in his body.
Errol Spence was not on Benn’s radar in 2022, but due to holding the WBC belt, a fight between ‘The Truth’ and ‘The Destroyer’ is possible for 2023.
After all, Errol Spence is still campaigning at 147 lbs and has recently been ordered by the WBC to defend his title against former world champion, Keith Thurman. Therefore, if Benn does officially get added back into the rankings, he could fight the winner of Spence-Thurman.
Furthermore, with talks of Errol Spence having an undisputed fight with Terence Crawford vanishing, the 32-year-old may fancy a lucrative bout against a big name in the UK like Conor Benn, before he inevitably moves up to 154 lbs.
Will Errol Spence Jr Ever Fight Terence Crawford?
Errol Spence vs Terence Crawford is one of the most sought-after fights in boxing. Both ranked are in the top 5 pound-for-pound rankings, world champions, unbeaten, and between them, hold all the belts at welterweight.
Near the end of 2022, Spence and Crawford were stuck in negotiations for a few months and at one point, looked close to being confirmed. But unfortunately, talks broke down and ‘Bud’ went on to fight David Avanesyan on December 10th instead, winning via 6th round knockout.
And to make matters worse, Spence was involved in a car accident in the same month when he injured his leg colliding with an apparent 14-year-old who drove his parent’s vehicle.
Shockingly, this is the second time Spence suffered a serious car accident in recent years following the catastrophe in 2019 when he flipped his Ferrari numerous times and was lucky to survive.
Indeed, even Crawford expressed concern for his fellow American in his post-fight press conference after beating Avanesyan.
“I wish him well. I hope he’s alright, mentally, physically, and emotionally. Like I said before, he got a family to feed and this is just the sport. We all fighting for that number one spot, so it ain’t personal, it’s just business.”
It now remains to be seen how Spence performs against Thurman in a few months. If ‘The Truth’ wins in dominating fashion, there is a chance the Crawford fight could come to fruition later on in the year.
At 35 years old Crawford is in the latter stages of his career and an undisputed bout against Spence could be the perfect way to cement his legacy before hanging up his gloves.
