Amir Khan slapped with boxing ban after failing drugs test in Kell Brook fight

Amir Khan has been handed a two-year ban from boxing after testing positive for a prohibited substance following his defeat to Kell Brook last year.

A urine test taken by the Bolton-born former light-welterweight world champion in the aftermath of the fight against Brook in February 2022 showed the presence of ostarine, which is a banned substance.

Khan - who announced his retirement from professional boxing not long after the fight - accepted he broke the rules but said it was not international. The 36-year-old’s ban, which applies to all sports, is deemed to have begun on April 6, 2022 and runs until April 5, 2024.

A statement from UK Anti-Doping read: "Professional boxer and Olympic medallist Amir Khan has been banned from all sport for two years following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for the presence and use of a Prohibited Substance.

"On February 19, 2022, UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) collected an In-Competition urine Sample from Mr Khan after his fight against Kell Brook at the Manchester Arena. Mr Khan's Sample returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for ostarine.

"Ostarine is a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM). The substance is listed on the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) 2022 Prohibited List as an anabolic agent and is prohibited in sport at all times."

In announcing his retirement last May, Khan said: "It's time to hang up my gloves. I feel blessed to have had such an amazing career that has spanned over 27 years. I want to say a heartfelt thanks and to the incredible teams I have worked with and to my family, friends and fans for the love and support they have shown me."