Anthony Joshua links up with Amir Khan on Dubai holiday days after Bolton ace is banned from boxing for failed drug test
AMIR KHAN was pictured linking up with Anthony Joshua following the shock revelation of his failed drug test.
The former world champion has been handed a two-year ban for a failed test following his defeat to Kell Brook in February 2022.
InstagramAnthony Joshua with Amir Khan in Dubai[/caption]
Khan has protested his innocence and claimed the ingestion of banned substance ostarine was NOT intentional.
The 2004 Olympic silver medalist was in the UK for a hearing over the doping violation but soon jetted out to Dubai.
And it was there that he met up with Joshua, fresh from his comeback win against Jermaine Franklin.
Khan retired following a sixth-round defeat to arch rival Brook, both 36, meaning his backdated ban will matter little.
Ostarine aids weight loss and muscle growth but is prohibited by United Kingdom Anti-Doping.
UKAD confirmed Khan’s ban – after it was referred to the National Anti-Doping Panel – where he doubled down on unknowingly consuming the substance.
A statement read: “Mr Khan’s case was heard by the independent tribunal on 24 January 2023 and in its written decision dated 21 February 2023, the panel found both violations proved, concluded that Mr Khan had established that they were not ‘intentional’ within the meaning of ADR Article 10.2.3 and imposed a two-year ban on him.”
For Joshua, 33, he is taking some time out following his 12 round points victory over Franklin, 29, at the start of April.
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Promoter Eddie Hearn hoped it would be one of three bouts as part of an active 2023 for AJ.
But Joshua days later revealed his next fight would not be until December, for a reason yet to be confirmed.
Although rumours have circled that AJ could be in line to fight Deontay Wilder, 37, at the end of the year in Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile Tyson Fury, 34, would face Oleksandr Usyk, 36, with the winners of the two bouts meeting in a finale.
Jermaine Franklin lost to Anthony Joshua on pointsRICHARD PELHAM