British amateur boxer Muhammad Ali banned after testing positive for trenbolone

British Olympian Muhammad Ali has been banned from boxing for two years after failing a drugs test.

The 21-year-old flyweight tested positive Trenbolone, an anabolic steroid, during the World Series of Boxing in Morocco in April 2017.

In a similar story to that of Tyson Fury, Ali claims he may have eaten contaminated meat in Morocco, or had the steroid in his system after having a drink intended for his father. However, it was decided he did not give enough proof to avoid a ban.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Ali said:

”All they caught me with was two nanograms. I can’t explain it.”

”I was trying to make 52kg and I wouldn’t want to put muscle on. I was literally trying to cut weight. It doesn’t make sense.”

Ali becomes first member of the British boxing squad to fail a drugs test for a banned substance and will be unable compete again in till May 2019.

The Brit was provisionally suspended in October and has now reached a “settlement agreement” with the International Boxing Association (AIBA), who acknowledged the fighter had not taken the substance with the intention to cheat.

GB Boxing stated it is “committed to clean sport” and noted the AIBA found the athlete did not intend to cheat.

A spokesperson added:

“At GB Boxing, our focus is on supporting the boxers on the World Class Performance Programme and giving them the support, assistance and coaching expertise they need to develop, improve and win medals at major international championships and the Olympic Games.

”We work with UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) and our International Federation to provide extensive education and support to our boxers on anti-doping rules, the anti-doping obligations upon them as athletes and the importance of adhering to the principles of clean sport.”

Trenbolone stimulates muscle growth and is on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s prohibited list.

The Rio Olympian believes the length of his ban is “extreme” and said it “couldn’t have been any worse”.

The European silver medallist added:

“I didn’t leave my bedroom for five months. I was so depressed, but it is what it is. I’ve just got to do my time and move on.

”I thought it would be a six-month suspension or something.”

Ali is now targeting the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

”It 100% makes me more hungry - I want it more than ever now - not 1% of me thought this would ever happen to me.“

”There’s going to be people saying this and that. I don’t want anyone thinking I’m a bad guy.”