Amir Khan, a former British boxer, has been banned from all sports for two years after a doping test showed the use of a forbidden substance following his battle against Kell Brook in 2022.
According to the Daily Mail, Khan’s pee sample was obtained by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) and revealed an Adverse Analytical Finding for Ostarine.
On April 6, 2022, Khan was notified of this, along with a temporary suspension.
The 36-year-old admitted that his “ingestion of Ostarine was not intentional,” but he still acknowledged the violations.
“Professional boxer and Olympic medallist Amir Khan has been banned from all sport for two years following Anti-Doping Rule Violations for the presence and use of a prohibited substance,” UKAD said in a statement.
Ostarine is a Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator (SARM), which is a medication intended to mimic the effects of testosterone, according to UKAD. It is not fit for human eating in the United Kingdom or anywhere else in the globe. Ostarine-containing dietary supplements usually promise to stimulate muscle growth.
It should be mentioned that Amir called it quits on his profession in May of last year.
The British boxer won 34 of his 40 bouts to become a joint world champion at light welterweight.
The 2004 Olympic silver medalist established a reputation for himself after winning his first 18 competitive competitions.
Khan won the World Boxing Association (WBA) super-lightweight title in 2009, beating Ukraine’s Andriy Kotelnik, and added the International Boxing Federation (IBF) title two years later, dispatching US opponent Zab Judah.
Khan’s last professional battle ended in a sixth-round knockout loss to Kell Brook in Manchester in February.
Given that Khan has not entered the ring since his defeat to Brook, his punishment will end in April 2024, as it has been backdated to the time of the provisional suspension.
“This case serves as a reminder that UKAD will diligently pursue Anti-Doping Rule Violations in order to protect clean sport,” UKAD chief executive Jane Rumble said.
“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.”