The boxing world is reeling after veteran Sky Sports commentator Adam Smith unleashed a scathing attack on Conor Benn, branding him a “disgrace to the sport” over his 2022 drug cheat scandal. During a live broadcast on Sky Sports Boxing last night, Smith didn’t hold back, accusing Benn of tarnishing his family’s legacy and questioning his integrity as the British welterweight prepares for his high-stakes showdown with Chris Eubank Jr. on April 26 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. With tensions already sky-high, Smith’s blistering comments have reignited the controversy surrounding Benn’s failed drug tests, casting a dark shadow over his comeback.

A Scandal That Won’t Die

Conor Benn (23-0, 14 KOs), the son of British boxing legend Nigel Benn, found himself at the center of a firestorm in October 2022 when he failed two voluntary drug tests ahead of a scheduled fight with Chris Eubank Jr. The tests, conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA), revealed the presence of clomiphene—a banned substance often used to boost testosterone levels. The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) swiftly prohibited the fight, and the bout was officially postponed, leaving fans and the boxing community in shock.

Benn has maintained his innocence throughout the ordeal, claiming the positive tests were due to “highly-elevated consumption of eggs,” a defense that the World Boxing Council (WBC) controversially accepted in February 2023, clearing him of intentional doping. However, the explanation was met with widespread skepticism, with many in the sport labeling it as absurd. In November 2024, the National Anti-Doping Panel (NADP) lifted Benn’s suspension, stating they were “not comfortably satisfied” that UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) had proven a doping offense. Despite being cleared to return, the stigma of the scandal has followed Benn, with critics continuing to question his integrity.

Adam Smith’s Explosive Takedown

During last night’s Sky Sports Boxing broadcast, Adam Smith, a respected figure in boxing commentary with over two decades of experience, delivered a blistering critique of Benn that left viewers stunned. The outburst came as Smith was previewing the upcoming Eubank Jr. vs. Benn fight, set for April 26 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium—a clash that reignites the historic rivalry between the Eubank and Benn families.

“Conor Benn is a disgrace to this sport,” Smith declared, his voice trembling with emotion. “He failed not one, but two drug tests, and then tried to blame it on eating too many eggs! It’s an insult to every fighter who has ever stepped into the ring clean, and it’s a black mark on the Benn family name. Nigel Benn was a warrior, a true champion—Conor has dragged that legacy through the mud with his actions. He should be ashamed, and I hope Chris Eubank Jr. makes him pay for it in the ring.”

Smith’s comments didn’t stop there. He went on to question the decisions of the WBC and NADP, calling for stricter regulations in boxing. “The fact that Benn is even allowed to fight again is a travesty,” Smith said. “What kind of message does this send to young fighters? That you can cheat, make up a ridiculous excuse, and still get away with it? Boxing deserves better.”

A History of Bad Blood

Smith’s outburst comes at a time when Benn is already under intense scrutiny. His upcoming fight with Eubank Jr. has been marred by controversy from the start. The two were originally set to face off in October 2022, but the bout was canceled after Benn’s failed tests. Since then, the rivalry has grown increasingly personal, with Eubank Jr. repeatedly accusing Benn of being a “drug cheat.” In February 2025, Eubank Jr. slapped Benn with an egg during a press conference in Manchester—a stunt referencing the WBC’s egg consumption defense—leading to chaotic scenes and a £100,000 fine from the BBBofC, which Eubank Jr. is currently appealing.

Eubank Jr. has also been vocal about the scandal, accusing Benn of “destroying his father’s legacy” and even questioning whether Nigel Benn himself cheated during his career. The bad blood between the two fighters, whose fathers fought in two iconic bouts in the 1990s, has only intensified the stakes for their April 26 showdown.

Benn’s Response: Defiant but Shaken

Conor Benn, who was watching the broadcast from his training camp in Mallorca, quickly took to social media to respond. In a series of heated posts on X, Benn fired back at Smith, calling his comments “disrespectful” and “unprofessional.” “I’ve been cleared of any wrongdoing by the NADP, and I’ve proven my innocence,” Benn wrote. “Adam Smith doesn’t know what I’ve been through these past two years. He’s just trying to stir the pot for views. I’ll do my talking in the ring on April 26.”

Benn’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, also came to his defense, issuing a statement condemning Smith’s remarks. “Conor has been through hell and back to clear his name,” Hearn said. “He’s been exonerated by the proper authorities, and it’s unfair for Adam Smith to drag this up again. Conor is focused on his fight with Eubank Jr., and he’ll prove his doubters wrong.”

However, sources close to Benn’s camp suggest that Smith’s comments have rattled the 28-year-old fighter. “Conor is trying to stay focused, but this has hit him hard,” a source told The Sun. “He thought the drug scandal was behind him, but every time he takes a step forward, someone drags him back into it. It’s taking a toll.”

The Bigger Picture: A Sport Under Scrutiny

Smith’s tirade has reignited a broader debate about doping in boxing and the effectiveness of the sport’s regulatory bodies. Critics argue that the handling of Benn’s case—particularly the WBC’s acceptance of the egg consumption defense—has undermined the credibility of anti-doping efforts in boxing. “The sport is at a crossroads,” said former middleweight champion Liam Smith, who has faced Eubank Jr. twice. “If we don’t take doping seriously, we risk losing the trust of fans and fighters alike.”

Others, however, believe Benn deserves a second chance. “He’s been cleared by the NADP, and that should be the end of it,” said boxing analyst Steve Bunce on BBC Radio. “Conor has paid a heavy price—two years out of the ring, constant scrutiny, and public humiliation. Let him fight and prove himself.”

What’s Next for Benn?

As Benn prepares for his April 26 clash with Eubank Jr., the pressure is mounting. The fight, which marks Benn’s first professional bout at middleweight after moving up two weight divisions, is already a high-stakes affair. A win could propel him toward a world title shot, potentially against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, while a loss could derail his career and further damage his reputation.

Adam Smith’s comments have added fuel to an already explosive buildup, ensuring that all eyes will be on Tottenham Hotspur Stadium later this month. Whether Benn can silence his critics and overcome the ghosts of his past remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the drug cheat scandal that has haunted him for nearly three years is far from over.