BREAKING NEWS: Conor Benn will make a shock comeback in Florida THIS Saturday as he steps back into the ring for the first time since his failed drugs test last year

• Conor Benn will return to the ring in Florida, USA on Saturday night 
• It will mark Benn’s first fight in 17 months following his positive drugs test
• The 26-year-old boxer is also looking to face Chris Eubank Jr in a December bout 

Conor Benn will be back in action this Saturday following his 17-month absence from the ring.

The 26-year-old will face Rodolfo Orozco on the undercard of Richardson Hitchins’ clash with Jose Zepeda in Florida. Orozco hails from Mexico, and has a 38-fight record consisting of 32 wins, three defeats and three draws.

Benn had been cleared to fight following the verdict of the UK Anti-Doping’s (UKAD) investigation into his failed drug tests last year. However, multiple sources told Mail Sport that both UK Anti-Doping and the British Boxing Board of Control triggered their right to contest the decision of the independent National Anti-Doping Panel.

As a result, it remains to be seen whether Benn – who has maintained his innocence and spent ‘hundreds and thousands’ on scientists to clear his name after traces of clomifene were found in his samples – can fight in the UK at present. 

Nevertheless, Benn is clear to fight abroad and wants to get back into the ring sooner rather than later.  Therefore, the Destroyer will feature on Hitchins vs Zepeda undercard in Orlando. 

Conor Benn (above) will be back in action on Saturday on the Richardson Hitchins vs Jose Zepeda undercard following his 17-month absence from the ring 

Benn will fight on the Richardson Hitchins vs Jose Zepeda undercard following his time out

Matchroom announced Benn’s place on the card on Wednesday, with promoter Eddie Hearn tweeting: ‘It’s time. This Saturday..he’s back! @ConorBenn returns this Saturday on a huge card in Orlando live on @daznboxing’.

The fight on Saturday could serve as a tune-up fight for Benn ahead of a potential clash with Chris Eubank Jr in December.  

Eubank Jr and Benn had been set to renew an old family feud stretching back decades. They were due to face each other in October last year for a much-anticipated bout.

However, on the eve of the fight it was revealed by Mail Sport that Benn had twice tested positive for the banned substance clomifene in the build up to the fight.

The promoters of both fighters tried to keep the fight on, but when lawyers failed to obtain a High Court injunction the fight was shelved – leaving fans somewhat disappointed.

Matchroom confirmed the news, revealing the bout was ‘postponed’ and insisted the Board’s decision to withdraw their sanctioning was ‘procedurally flawed and without due process’.

However, the pair are expected to go toe-to-toe in the future – with Hearn revealing talks for the Benn and Eubank Jr clash are already underway for December this year. 

Some fans are opposed to the match-up, but Hearn insists Benn is well within his rights to fight. 

When asked how he felt about the criticisms surrounding the potential fight between Benn and Eubank Jr, the Matchroom promoter said: ‘I don’t know what else to do. 

‘He’s not suspended. He’s never been charged. He’s never been found guilty. What do you want me to do? Say okay well he won’t fight because you’re not happy about it.

Benn’s grudge match with Chris Eubank Jr (left) was axed last year after the failed drugs test

‘He’s been through every process that has been asked of his and now he’s having to go through another one. He’s been cleared to fight and he could fight as early as two weeks time.’

Hearn went on to speaking about the importance of Eubank Jr’s win over Liam Smith on the Benn fight. He said: ‘All of a sudden it takes Eubank vs Benn back to being bigger than ever.

‘I text Kalle Sauerland on the morning of the fight saying please win or lose well. The fact that he won makes the Benn fight massive. 

‘We are in talks for that fight in December. I am sure you are going to see that fight as the biggest fight for both. Hopefully we can get it over the line.’

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