The British Boxing Board of Control were made aware that Amir Khan failed a post-fight doping test following his loss to Kell Brook on April 6 2022. Boxing fans – and Brook – were told on April 4 2023.
Khan tested positive for banned PED, ostarine, which is not approved for human consumption in the UK or any other country. Since he claimed that he had not intentionally ingested the small amount found in his system, the case was referred to an independent panel whilst he was temporarily suspended.
In correspondence with Boxing Social, the UK Anti Doping Agency laid out the timeline, and confirmed Khan and the British Boxing Board of Control were made aware of the positive test on April 6 of 2022.
“UKAD has an obligation to notify parties of an Adverse Analytical Finding as set out in the UK Anti-Doping Rules. In this case, this meant that UKAD was required to notify the Athlete (Mr Khan), the national governing body (the BBBoC) and the World Anti-Doping Agency. UKAD notified these parties on 6 April 2022.”
Mr Khan’s case was referred to the National Anti-Doping Panel, which is independent of UKAD for determination at a hearing. Once the case is determined by the National Anti-Doping Panel, its Secretariat is responsible for communicating the Panel’s decision to UKAD, Mr Khan, the BBBoC and WADA.
UKAD received the decision on 21 February 2023 and understands that the other parties received it on the same date. The decision was published by UKAD on 4 April 2023, once the timeframe for any of the parties to lodge an appeal had passed.”
Khan’s two-year ban from all sport has been backdated to April 6 2022. He continues to claim innocence.
General Secretary of the BBBofC, Robert Smith, told talkSPORT that he stands by the private and confidential nature of the case until the final conclusion was reached, but admitted that the process in general takes ‘too long.’
“Obviously everything to do with UKAD is private and confidential, which is how it should be. From then it’s up to Mr Khan or any athlete to protest their innocence or give any explanation.”
“Then obviously it takes a lot of time with regards to any hearings taking place, which obviously did take place and the board had nothing to do with – that’s down to UKAD and an independent panel.”
Smith’s confirmation that he was aware of proceedings last year are in direct contrast to what Ben Shalom, the promoter of the contest, told Boxing Social.
“I saw it this morning on social media for the first time … I’m baffled to find out via social media … I don’t know if [UKAD] let the Board know, because when I spoke to Robert Smith this morning saying ‘did you know about this?’ He said he only found out yesterday [Monday 3rd April 2023.]”
Smith may have been referring to the National Anti-Doping Panel’s final decision and not the initial test result when speaking with Shalom.
The case has incensed boxing fans, who seem to be constantly kept in the dark amidst statements mentioning legal boundaries and processes.
Another man who has been out of the loop is Kell Brook, in what seems like the most unjust part of this messy ordeal. The fighter, who is currently working towards a comeback, found out via social media.