Former World Champion Khan Given Two-Year Doping Ban

Former light-welterweight world champion, Amir Khan, has been handed a two-year ban from all sport after testing positive for the anabolic agent ostarine following defeat to Kell Brook in Manchester in February 2022. Khan had retired from professional boxing in May 2020 after amassing a record of 34 wins and six defeats in 40 bouts.

Khan, who won a silver medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics and became a household name in Britain, accepted a violation of anti-doping rules but insisted he did not intentionally take the prohibited substance, a claim which was accepted by an independent panel during a hearing in January.

The ban took effect from 6th April 2022 and is set to expire on 5 April 2024.

UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) Chief Executive Jane Rumble commented: “This case serves as a reminder that UKAD will diligently pursue anti-doping rules violation in order to protect clean sport.”

UKAD is an independent body responsible for protecting clean athletes, making sure athletes do not misuse any performance-enhancing substances, and ensuring a level playing field. Their mission is to lead the fight against doping and they work closely with sport to preserve trust and confidence in sporting outcomes.

Amir Khan has made an indelible mark as a professional boxer. His fearlessness, determination, and explosive power earned him admiration from fans and pundits alike. He unified the WBA and IBF titles with a win over Zab Judah in 2011 and controversially lost his next fight to Lamont Peterson, who would eventually test positive for synthetic testosterone.

Khan used his fame to set up the Amir Khan Foundation, working to bring about positive change in communities around the world. The foundation raises money for a multitude of causes, from providing medical equipment to a children’s hospital in Pakistan to campaigning for education for every child.

Through his accomplishments as a boxer, as well as his charitable works, Amir Khan has proven himself to be a true champion. Now, more than ever, Khan has an important lesson to impart. As he serves his two-year ban, he is a reminder of the consequences of taking performance-enhancing substances and how much should not be risked by attempting to gain a competitive edge.