Boxer Amir Khan banned from sport for two years
Amir Khan, a former Olympic medallist and professional boxer, has been banned from participating in any sport for two years due to his use of a prohibited substance.
The substance, ostarine, was found in his urine sample following his fight against Kell Brook in February 2022. Ostarine is a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s prohibited list, and is designed to promote muscle building.
Khan claimed his consumption of the substance was unintentional, and his case was referred to an independent tribunal. However, the panel found two violations – presence and use of a prohibited substance – and 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.
After winning 34 of his 40 fights and a silver medal at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Khan announced his retirement from boxing on 13 May 2022.
UK Anti-Doping chief executive Jane Rumble emphasised that athletes are ultimately responsible for what they ingest and for the presence of any prohibited substances in a sample. She also highlighted the importance of all athletes and their support personnel taking their anti-doping responsibilities seriously in order to protect clean sport and public confidence in it.