BOXER Conor Benn has revealed he wanted to kill himself after being accused of taking a banned testosterone-boosting drug.
The welterweight champ — son of ring legend Nigel Benn — confessed to Piers Morgan that he contemplated suicide after testing positive.
Conor Benn revealed he wanted to kill himself after being accused of taking a banned testosterone-boosting drug
Conor told Piers Morgan: ‘It’s hurt me. I didn’t think I was going to make it through this period’
Conor faces off with Chris Eubank Jr, left, and promoter Eddie Hearn before there 2022 bout was cancelled
With tears in his eyes, he revealed he also suffered night terrors and panic attacks in the wake of the drugs tests last autumn, while his son was subjected to vile racist abuse.
But Conor, 26, comes out fighting in his first televised interview since the scandal, to be shown on TalkTV at 8pm tomorrow night.
He strongly denied any wrongdoing and vowed to clear his name.
And in Piers Morgan Uncensored, Benn also reveals he wants to sue British boxing’s governing body for loss of earnings and damage to his reputation.
Piers asked him: “To be branded a cheat in the court of public opinion, what has that done to you?”
Conor said: “It’s hurt me. I didn’t think I was going to make it through this period.
“It’s hard because I feel like I was on death row for something I hadn’t even done.
“If I had done something wrong, you know, I am human. I would raise my hands to it, ‘I made a mistake’.
‘I was sobbing most nights’
“Whatever it is, my personal life, I raise my hands. Never this.
“I felt like seven years of hard work and sacrifice and leaving my family, and the image I maintained, was just ruined at someone else’s incompetence. It’s been hard for the family.”
Piers asked: “When you say you didn’t think you would make it, what did you mean?”
Conor said: “I was taking it day by day. I didn’t think I would see another day.”
Asked if he was feeling suicidal, Benn replied: “Yeah, I would say so.
“And it upsets me now because I don’t know how I got so bad. I got in a really bad way.
“If you think I’m innocent or if you don’t think I am innocent — I am innocent.”
Conor’s nightmare began as he was about to fight Chris Eubank Jnr — the son of another boxing legend — at London’s O2 Arena last October.
But the British Boxing Board of Control — BBBofC — suddenly cancelled the much-hyped bout after two tests appeared to show that undefeated welterweight Benn had traces of testosterone-altering drug clomifene in his system.
Becoming emotional, he said: “I would never do this to my family. I would never do this to my supporters.
“Do you think I would do this to my dad? Do you think I would do this to my son, who’s now got to grow up and look at this?
“It’s not who I am and it killed me because I was transparent with the public my whole career from 19 years old.
“I’m a grown man now who has worked hard over the years.”
Since being banned Conor and his family — including young son, Eli — have been subjected to vile abuse on social media.
Piers asked him what had been the worst things he had read about himself in the last four months.
Conor said: “There’s been too many. Kill yourself. Racist comments to my son, with my family.
“Nothing in person. It’s cowardly. I don’t even think it was social media that bothers me.
“It was more so of the shame I felt leaving the house, although I had done nothing wrong. I was having night terrors, panic attacks.
“I was really struggling and I was coping terribly with it. I was in a really bad way.”
Later, the boxer said: “I was sobbing most nights. I didn’t want to go to sleep because I knew what I had to wake up to.
“You’ve got to remember this was a nightmare for me.
“How has this happened? How have I got in this situation? My faith let me down.
Proud Conor in church with his wife Victoria and baby son Eli in 2021
Son Conor is hoisted by dad, boxing legend Nigel, after his 2018 Welterweight title win
Conor told Piers: ‘It’s been brutal. It does feel like a witch-hunt’
“I felt like I didn’t understand why this had happened when I’ve done nothing but work diligently hard. I was in a dark way.”
Benn returned adverse findings for clomifene in two samples ahead of his bout with Eubank.
According to the World Boxing Council, there is no conclusive evidence Conor intentionally took the banned substance, which can boost testosterone levels by 50 per cent.
But he is now awaiting the verdict of a separate investigation by BBBofC and the UK Anti-Doping Agency which will decide whether Benn will receive a ban from boxing.
Conor told Piers: “It’s been brutal. It does feel like a witch-hunt.
“I’ve never seen anything quite like this before in any other athlete, whether they’ve raised their hands to it or they’ve just taken a small ban.
“I was willing to fight and prove my innocence — although there was an easy way out at the beginning in lying and saying, ‘I may have accidentally done this, I may have done this by accident’ and taken a small six month ban.
“Instead I chose to fight this because my integrity mattered more to me.
“I would never ever, ever raise my hands to something I ain’t done.
“This is the first time I’ve been able to speak on this.”
Conor refuses to believe there were any traces of the drug in his body and told Piers the test results could have been caused by “contamination” due to mistakes in the lab.
He said: “I’m not saying that anyone in their labs deliberately did this. I’m not saying that at all, but it may be an accident, it may be an error.
“Why are people saying I may have needed a testosterone boost? I’m 26 years old!
“I didn’t even know what this thing was at the time.
“I don’t accept it was in my body, not at all. Based on independent scientists looking at the reports, based on my own scientists looking at the reports and what we found.
“People say you may have paid for the best legal team. Damn right I paid for the best legal team, damn right I paid for the best scientists — my career is on the line.
“My image is on the line. My name is on the line and I can’t be known for this.”
Conor’s team of experts submitted a 270-page dossier, which he says clears his name, to the WBC.
Last month the WBC ruled that eating too many eggs could have produced the positive drug tests — but Conor has dismissed that theory.
He is not giving his legal team’s file to the BBBofC, which has filed seven misconduct charges against him and has the power to ban him from fighting in the UK.
‘My name is on the line. I can’t be known for this’
Conor said: “My dad tore up his British boxing licence on TV in the 80s.
“I don’t have to be licensed by the board. I don’t plan on fighting in Britain any time soon.”
And when Piers asked what was stopping him from handing over the dossier to the UK boxing authorities, the fighter said: “My pride, the way they have dealt with this.
Conor, who believes cheats in contact sports should be banned for life, said: “I want this to be finished and I want to resume with my career.”
He has has asked his promoter Eddie Hearn to find him the biggest fight possible.
The boxer would love to take on Chris Eubank Jnr next — but before he does that, that he has to clear his name.
As he told Piers: “I was born fighting, it’s in my blood.
“But this is the hardest fight I’ve ever had to face.”
- Watch Piers Morgan Uncensored weekdays on TalkTV at 8pm. Available on Sky 522, Sky Glass 508, Virgin Media 606, Freeview 237 and Freesat 217 as well as on DAB, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Samsung TV Plus, YouTube, the Talk.TV website and TalkTV iOS and Android apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average time it takes to learn boxing?
Boxing takes 3 months to learn. This includes learning basic skills like footwork and stance. Boxing isn’t just about throwing punches. You also need to learn how to block and dodge attacks.
Do you have the ability to train yourself to box?
You can box if you want. You just need to find a boxing gym near you and join a class. Although most gyms offer free classes to their members, it is possible to search Google for other local boxing clubs.
You will also need gloves, mouthpieces and headgear to sparring with your partners. Once you have everything you need, you can practice your kicks and punches.
What are some of the benefits of learning how to box
The following are reasons why you should learn how to box.
- It builds confidence. Learning to box will give you the courage to face bullies or other people who might try to bully you.
- It can improve your health. Boxing builds muscle mass. Muscle mass is what makes you stronger.
- It teaches self-defense skills. Learn how to fight to learn how you can protect yourself.
- It increases your mental toughness. It is crucial to have mental toughness when faced with challenges.
- You feel accomplished. Once you have learned a technique you’ll feel like you are a real boxer.
- It’s fun! It’s fun!
- It’s cheap. All you need are a pair of punching bags and boxing gloves.
- It doesn’t take up much space
What can I do to improve my punching?
Boxing is all in the form of punching. If you want to be a better boxer, you must master punch technique. These are some tips that will help you improve your punching technique.
- Keep your head high. Keep your head up when you’re throwing punches.
- Punch from the shoulder. You should aim your punch at the shoulder rather than the chin.
- Your feet are your focus. When you punch, don’t move your feet.
- Send short, sharp punches. You will feel tired quicker if you throw longer punches.
- Don’t forget about defense! Always remember to block incoming punches.
- Use your elbows. The best way to defend your self is with your elbows.
- Your legs are your best friend. Learn to properly use your legs.
- Practice every day. Even if you feel exhausted after training, don’t give up. It takes practice to become proficient at anything.
- Have fun! Enjoy what you’re doing.
- Breathe. You will be stronger and have more energy if you breathe correctly.
- Relax. Don’t worry about making errors. Be focused on learning new techniques.
- Be patient. Boxing can be difficult. It takes time and practice to improve your skills.
- Never stop improving. There is always room for improvement.
- Listen to music. Music can be a great way to relax and concentrate while training.
- See videos of professional boxers. The fights can inspire you and motivate you to work harder.
- Read books. Reading helps you to understand boxing techniques.
- Take breaks. Sometimes, it is helpful to take a break from boxing. Play soccer or basketball outside.
- Find a coach. You can improve your boxing skills by having a coach who is knowledgeable.
- Do push-ups. Push-ups are great for endurance and strength building.
What is Boxing?
Boxing is a sport in which two people fight to knock one another out. They do this by hitting each other in the head and face. Boxing is about hitting an opponent as hard possible, without inflicting any injuries. This can only happen if both boxers are able to throw heavy punches. They must also be able to coordinate their hand-eye movements.
How many punches can one human take?
A punch is “a blow delivered by a fist”. Humans can only withstand one punch at a time. If someone punches you in the face you are being punched. You cannot hit him/her back. This would be two punches.
Statistics
- It is just like normal sparring with a partner, but you want to throw punches at 75% of your normal speed. (wikihow.com)
- This article received 39 testimonials and 89% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. (wikihow.com)
External Links
en.wikipedia.org
expertboxing.com
How To
How do you set up a Boxing Gym within your House?
Many people are curious about how to start a boxing business. People often ask what amount they should spend on equipment, what size space is needed, how many people do they need, etc. There are many things that will affect the cost to start your own business. These include where you are located, how many employees you have, the marketing budget and competition. The importance of having quality equipment is something that many people forget. You can’t start if you don’t have the right equipment. These are some great tips for starting a home boxing club.
- Training should be done in a safe environment. It could be a garage, basement or spare room. Even the living room will work. The only requirement is that there must be enough space to set up the equipment.
- You need a punching bag (or two). This is important as you won’t learn how to punch without one. It can be anything from a cheap plastic bag to a heavy leather bag. It should be big enough that you can comfortably carry it. You will also want it to last for many years.
- A mat is necessary. When practicing kicks, mats are used to protect walls and floors. It is usually made of foam rubber. These can be purchased online or in-store.
- A bench is necessary. A bench is used for support while performing pushups. They can be ordered online or in local stores. However, make sure that you choose the right size for you.
- A speedbag is required. Speedbags can be used to improve hand movement speed. They can be purchased online or in stores. You want to make sure you get a high-quality product that will last.
- You will need a headgear. Headgear is used to protect your head during sparring sessions. It can be bought online or in-store. Be sure to find the perfect fit and protect your face.
- Gloves are required. Gloves can be used to protect your hands while sparring. They can be ordered online or at local shops. Select the pair that fits your style and needs.
- A mouthpiece is required. Mouthpieces can be used to protect your smile during sparring sessions. You can purchase these online or offline stores. Again, choose a pair that suits your style and needs.
- You will need a ring. Rings can be used for simulating real fights. You can buy them online or offline. It should have padding on both sides, so you don’t get hurt during sparring.
- You need a towel. To wipe your sweat off after every workout, use a towel. They can be purchased at local sporting goods store or online stores. Make sure that they’re soft and absorbent.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/boxing/what-is-the-drake-curse-who-has-fallen-victim-to-it-and-is-anthony-joshua-the-latest/
