Helenius Gets Two-Year Ban After Popping For Clomiphene – Is Conor Benn Next?
Robert Helenius has been banned for two years after testing positive for a banned substance after his fight with Anthony Joshua.
Helenius faced Joshua last year when he was knocked out in the eighth round. While Helenius had a good fight, he could not last the distance. After the fight, Helenius failed a UKAD test. The testing showed that there was an adverse finding for Clomiphene. Helenius maintained that he was innocent, citing the consumption of chicken and eggs as a defense.
However, that was not enough to prevent him from getting a big ban. The ban has been backdated, starting on September 18, 2023. It will last until September 17 of next year. The decision means that Helenius will be out of action until fall 2025. However, given that Helenius is 40 years old, returning to the boxing game will be a tough task.
Helenius’ Ban
“On August 13, 2023, UKAD collected a urine sample from Mr Helenius In-Competition after his bout against Mr Joshua in London. On September 18, 2023, UKAD sent Mr Helenius a letter. The Notice Letter confirmed the imposition of a Provisional Suspension and formally notified Mr Helenius [of Use or Attempted Use by an Athlete of a Prohibited Substance or a Prohibited Method].
“Mr Helenius’ legal representative responded to the Notice Letter on his behalf. The response stated that Mr. Helenius did not dispute the ADRVs asserted in the Notice Letter. Further, it stated that the clomiphene detected in Mr. Helenius’ Sample must have originated from his consumption of eggs and chicken meat.
“It added that Mr. Helenius bore No Fault or Negligence. UKAD asked Mr. Helenius to provide any evidence that the eggs or chicken meat he purportedly consumed in the weeks leading up to the bout originated from hens that had been administered with clomiphene. Mr Helenius’ legal representative wrote to UKAD to confirm that he had no further evidence to provide in this case,” UKAD statement
Conor Benn’s Issue
The decision follows Ryan Garcia’s one-year ban after failing VADA tests for Ostarine. The findings meant that his win over Devin Haney was overturned. While Garcia maintained his innocence, the decision indicates a hardline stance towards PEDs. Conor Benn could face a similar punishment as Helenius.
He also tested positive for Clomiphene. The findings meant that his fight with Chris Eubank Jr. was called off. While Benn has boxed outside the UK and the US, he has been suspended by UKAD and the British Boxing Board of Control. Benn’s career has stalled, as the rising star has missed out on the big fights. With Benn’s commercial value dropping, it is vital that a decision is soon made. But as of now, Benn’s career looks uncertain.
“It’s now July 2024, almost two years since Conor Benn tested positive twice for a PED. Pseudoscientific explanations were given, but none prevented suspension by the UK Anti-Doping Agency. In my opinion, this case was handled horribly by Benn’s team, and the hubris of [promoter] Eddie Hearn was not helpful. Still no adjudication?” Victor Conte said
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