Former Olympic medallist Amir Khan has been banned from participating in any sport for two years over his use of a prohibited substance.
It comes after the boxer’s urine sample following his fight against Kell Brook in February 2022 tested positive for ostarine, UK Anti-Doping said in a statement.
Khan lost the match in Manchester.
Ostarine is a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s prohibited list. It is designed to promote muscle building, has a similar effect to testosterone, and is banned from use in all sports.
Khan, 36, had claimed his consumption of it was “unintentional” so his case was referred to an independent tribunal.
The panel found two violations – presence and use of a prohibited substance – in January before it confirmed the decision in writing in February. Khan was given a provisional ban on 6 April 2022, which will now last until 5 April 2024.
He announced he was retiring from boxing on 13 May 2022 after winning 34 of his 40 fights and a silver medal at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.
UKAD chief executive Jane Rumble said: “This case serves as a reminder that UKAD will diligently pursue Anti-Doping Rule Violations in order to protect clean sport.
“Strict liability means athletes are ultimately responsible for what they ingest and for the presence of any prohibited substances in a sample.
“It is important that all athletes and their support personnel, whatever level they are competing at, take their anti-doping responsibilities seriously. Not doing so risks damaging not only an athlete’s career, but also undermining public confidence in clean sport.”
