Former boxing world champion Ricky Hatton is backing Conor Benn to be allowed a licence to fight again by the British Boxing Board of Control.
In March last year, Benn was charged by the UK Anti-Doping Agency for failing two tests and subsequently banned from competing. The ban was lifted later in the year by the NADP, but both the BBBofC and UKAD are appealing the decision.
Benn was denied his application to box Chris Eubank Jr by the British Boxing Board of Control in November, but speaking to InstantCasinos.com, Hatton believes the 27-year-old should be given a second chance.
“I think he [Benn] should get his licence back," said Hatton.
"Conor has said, ‘I’ve got caught, I didn’t know. It wasn’t intentional what I’m doing and I’m a fighting man like my dad’, which I truly believe. I’ve had this conversation with Nigel [Benn], and it’s been very hard for Conor. But he’s gone through the right areas, and he deserves the backing now and a second chance.
"Let’s give him {Conor} the benefit of the doubt. He’s had his slap on the wrist, he can’t box in England at the minute. He’s suffering for whether he was guilty or not guilty.
"I believe he was not guilty. I think he deserves a second chance, not just because of the name, but the fights he can be involved in for British fight fans and the British public. It doesn’t matter whether it was right or whether it was wrong, how much of a telling off are we going to give the poor kid?”
Live on DAZN: Haney vs. Garcia on April 20. Click here for details.