Conor Benn and Kell Brook conflict at ringside as fireworks spark throughout interview
Conor Benn and Kell Brook have been concerned in a fiery ringside altercation earlier than Katie Taylor’s undisputed light-welterweight showdown with Chantelle Cameron in Dublin on Saturday night time. Benn, who has not fought since being charged over two failed drug checks final 12 months, was in attendance to look at Taylor try and turn into a two-weight undisputed champion whereas preventing in her native Ireland as an expert for the very first time.
Benn was caught on digital camera showing to barge into Brook as he walked previous the Sheffield-born former fighter, who was being interviewed at ringside and appeared to have been thrown off by the obvious shove in his again. Brook then turned to his left to be able to confront Benn, drawing an aggressive response from the latter as he pushed his reverse quantity away.
Both males rapidly squared as much as each other earlier than they have been separated virtually instantly as a number of individuals rushed in to stop the state of affairs from turning ugly. Benn was captured shouting within the course of Brook as he was led away, whereas Special Ok seemed bewildered as he elected to remain the place he was reasonably than chasing after the 26-year-old in quest of one other confrontation.
Rumours have swirled in current months that the pair may quickly face one another within the ring despite Brook’s resolution to retire from boxing after his victory over long-time rival Amir Khan final 12 months. He beforehand hinted that he can be ready to lace up his gloves one remaining time to be able to struggle Benn, however insisted that he would have to be paid a fairly penny in change for going again on his retirement.
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“I think I’ve just been pushed and prodded by a fella we all know now, Conor Benn,” mentioned Brook on talkSPORT earlier this 12 months. “You know, a fighter’s a fighter, it’s always in me and I love the challenges. I’d love to show this young Benn what time it is. But, obviously we’ve got to sit down with his boss, Eddie Hearn, and his manager and come up with my service fee, which is going to be quite decent.
“This is my sport, I’ve executed it many occasions earlier than and I do know I needed to simply put myself in that jail and provides myself utterly and totally to the game and put the whole lot into it. I’m nonetheless in my thoughts the very best welterweight, gentle middleweight on the market, undoubtedly in Britain anyway. Like I mentioned, if we do sit down and I get that pleasure as soon as once more and I take my slippers off and put my trainers again on then we may see me operating them roads once more possibly.”
Benn, meanwhile, has not fought since last April as a result of the ongoing saga relating to his failed drug tests and would not be allowed to face Brook in the UK as a result of the British Boxing Board of Control refusing to grant him a licence. It was also confirmed last month that the UK Anti-Doping Agency (UKAD) had provisionally suspended Benn, who has always maintained his innocence, after issuing formal charges against him.
A statement read: “UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) confirms that Mr Benn was notified and provisionally suspended by UKAD on 15 March 2023 in accordance with the UK Anti-Doping Rules. Whilst provisionally suspended Mr Benn is prohibited from collaborating in any capability, or aiding one other athlete in any capability, in a contest, occasion or exercise that’s organised, convened, authorised or recognised by the British Boxing Board of Control or some other World Anti-Doping Code-compliant sport.
“UKAD can also confirm that on 3 April 2023 it charged Mr Benn with an Article 2.2 violation for the alleged use of a prohibited substance (clomifene). The charge against Mr Benn is pending and will now follow the results management process in accordance with the UK Anti-Doping Rules.”