Retired British boxer Amir Khan has been banned for two years by the United Kingdom Anti-Doping agency (UKAD) after violating anti-doping rules. The suspension comes after Khan failed a urine test in March 2018, following a fight against Phil Lo Greco in Liverpool.
Khan’s sample tested positive for a banned steroid called stanozolol, which is commonly used by athletes to gain muscle mass and strength. The substance is on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) list of prohibited substances and is banned both in and out of competition.
The UKAD stated that Khan had accepted the charges and that his ban would be backdated to the date of the test. Therefore, the former world champion will be eligible to return to boxing in March 2020.
Khan, who is now 34 years old, has had a storied career in boxing, winning silver at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens and becoming a two-time world champion. However, in recent years, he has struggled with injuries and has not fought since July 2019 when he beat Billy Dib in Saudi Arabia.
In a statement released after the decision, Khan apologized to his fans, family, and friends and accepted the punishment, saying that he made a mistake and that he hopes other athletes can learn from his experience.
“I accept the suspension handed down by UKAD,” Khan said. “I made a mistake in taking a banned substance, and I want to apologize to my fans, family, and friends. I hope that other athletes can learn from my experience and always adhere to the anti-doping rules.”
Khan’s ban will undoubtedly have an impact on his boxing career and legacy. Although he will be eligible to return to the ring in March 2020, he will have to rebuild his reputation and prove that he can still compete at the highest level.
In conclusion, the two-year ban handed to Amir Khan by UKAD for doping is a significant blow to the retired boxer’s legacy. While he will be eligible to return to boxing in March 2020, he will have to work hard to rebuild his reputation and prove that he can still compete at the highest level without the use of banned substances.
