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      Why has Amir Khan been banned and will he fight again?

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      AMIR KHAN hasn’t been the ring since his stoppage defeat to Kell Brook last year.The legendary Bolton boxer’s clash with Brook was years in the making and culminated in a massive pay-per-view event in Manchester.
      Amir Khan lost to Kell Brook by sixth-round TKO last yearCredit: Getty
      But now the fight has been clouded by news that Khan failed a drug test just hours after the fight in February 2022.
      Khan boxed all over the world, including in Las Vegas, New York and Saudi Arabia, becoming a world champion along the way.
      He first made his name at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, where he won silver and was credited with getting British boxing back to its feet.
      Khan, however, has now been banned from the spot he loves for at least TWO years.

      Why has Amir Khan been banned?
      Khan has been banned because he tested positive for the banned drug ostarine following his loss to Brook.
      “Professional boxer and Olympic medallist Amir Khan has been banned from all sport for two years following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for the presence and use of a Prohibited Substance,” a UK-Anti Doping statement read.
      “On 19 February 2022, UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) collected an In-Competition urine Sample from Mr Khan after his fight against Kell Brook at the Manchester Arena.
      “Mr Khan’s Sample returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for ostarine.”
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      Ostarine attaches to proteins in the body known as androgen receptors, when ostarine binds to these receptors, it tells muscles to grow.
      Ostarine can be used for athletic performance, involuntary weight loss caused by illness, breast cancer and numerous other conditions.
      Will Amir Khan fight again?
      It’s unlikely Khan will ever fight again as he retired following the loss to Kell Brook.
      UK-Anti Doping’s imposed two-year ban will prevent Khan from making a big-money comeback, however. More

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      Amir Khan banned from boxing for TWO YEARS after testing positive for illegal substance after Kell Brook fight

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      AMIR KHAN has been BANNED from boxing for two years after testing positive for an illegal substance following his defeat to Kell Brook last year.The Bolton boxer, 36, retired following the defeat to his Brit rival – for which he pocketed a staggering £5MILLION.
      Amir Khan has been banned from boxing for two years after testing positive for a banned substance following his 2022 defeat to Kell BrookCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Amir Khan lost to Kell Brook last year and it has since emerged he tested positive for banned substance ostarine.Credit: Getty
      But now it has emerged Khan – Olympic silver medallist in 2004 – tested positive for ostarine in the aftermath of the defeat.
      Khan has claimed ingestion of the banned substance was NOT intentional.
      Ostarine is a drug designed to have similar effects to testosterone, used by athletes and bodybuilders to boost muscle mass and performance.
      However, it has also been used to treat muscle-wasting diseases and osteoporosis.

      The result of Khan’s fight against Brook has now been wiped out.
      His ban has been backdated to start immediately after the 2022 fight and will run until April 2024.
      Khan has now broken his silence, telling Sky Sports: “I’ve never cheated.
      “I’m a retired fighter… you can see by my performance. My performance against Kell Brook wasn’t the best.
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      “I lost the fight… if I’d gone in and knocked him out if would be different.
      “I’ve never cheated in my life… I was the one who wanted testing on the fight.
      “The amount that was in my system could have been from shaking hands.”
      Khan continued: “I didn’t know what the drug was in my system.
      “I’ve never cheated in my life… I’d never cheat.
      “Like I said, I am a retired fighter. I’ve got a two-year ban now which is quite strange and funny that they’ve banned me… I’m already retired anyway.”
      On a potential return to the ring, Khan added: “[I’ve got] no comeback plans at all.
      “But, like I said, I’ve never cheated and never will. That’s just not something I would do.”
      UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) earlier confirmed the news in a statement.
      It read: “Professional boxer and Olympic medallist Amir Khan has been banned from all sport for two years following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for the presence and use of a Prohibited Substance.

      “On 19 February 2022, UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) collected an In-Competition urine Sample from Mr Khan after his fight against Kell Brook at the Manchester Arena.
      “Mr Khan’s Sample returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for ostarine.
      “UKAD notified Mr Khan of the AAF on 6 April 2022 and that he may have committed ADRVs under the 2021 UK Anti-Doping Rules (ADR).
      “UKAD issued him with a Provisional Suspension from all Code-compliant sport on the same date.
      “On 20 July 2022, UKAD charged Mr Khan with the commission of two ADRVs: Presence of a Prohibited Substance and Use of a Prohibited Substance.
      “Mr Khan accepted the violations charged but maintained that his ingestion of ostarine was not ‘intentional’.”
      UKAD went on to reveal the case was referred to the National Anti-Doping Panel – with the charges upheld.
      The statement continued: “As a consequence his case was referred to the National Anti-Doping Panel to be considered by an independent tribunal.
      “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.
      “The panel also disqualified Mr Khan’s result from the bout against Mr Brook.
      “Mr Khan’s two-year ban is deemed to have commenced on 6 April 2022 (the date his Provisional Suspension was imposed) and will expire on 5 April 2024.”
      In the weeks leading up to the Brook fight, Khan revealed he was yet to be drug-tested and that he was chasing officials to get it done.
      He called the whole experience “a bit strange” as he was desperate for a “fair fight”.
      Khan retired in 2022 with a record of 34-6 following defeat to Brook, bringing down the curtain on an illustrious career.
      The Bolton star was catapulted into the spotlight after bagging silver at the Athens Olympic Games in 2004.
      Khan won his first 18 fights but lost the biggest fights of his career against the likes of Canelo Alvarez, Terence Crawford and Brook.
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      Arguably his biggest scalps came with wins over Marcos Maidana and Paulie Malignaggi (both 2010).
      Khan also beaten Marco Antonio Barrera and Andriy Kotelnik (both 2009) during his glittering career in the ring, as well as Devon Alexander in 2014. More

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      Vitaly Merinov dead at 32: Tributes paid to world kickboxing champ after Ukrainian dies on frontline of war with Russia

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      KICKBOXING champion Vitaly Merinov has died fighting in Ukraine aged 32.The Ukrainian was killed on the front line in the war with Russia with tributes quickly being paid to the “hero”.
      Vitaly Merinov died on the front line of the war with Russia
      Tributes have poured out for the 32-year-oldCredit: Reuters
      Merinov leaves behind a wife and daughterCredit: Reuters
      He was a national champion in kickboxing
      Merinov coached boxing and MMA
      Merinov died in hospital on March 31 according to the mayor of Ivano-Frankivsk, Ruslan Martsynkiv.
      He said: “During one of the fights, Vitaly received a gunshot wound in his leg. He recovered and returned to the front again and defended Ukraine to the last breath.
      “He has a wife and a two-year-old daughter left. Sincere condolences to the family and loved ones. Eternal memory to the Hero!”
      Merinov is a four-time world champion in kickboxing who is believed to have signed up for the war effort on the first day of the full-scale invasion in February 2022.
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      He reportedly leaves behind a wife and daughter and many have paid tribute to his heroic efforts.
      Two-time Winter Olympian Vladyslav Heraskevych wrote: “Vitaly Merinov died at night from wounds received in battle.
      “Four-time world kickboxing champion Vitaly went to war on the very first day of the full-scale invasion. He defended Ukraine until his last breath.
      “He is survived by his wife and two-year-old daughter. Glory to the hero!”
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      One tribute read: “Vitaly Merinov died fighting for freedom, Justice & democracy. This hero will not be forgotten.”
      Another said: “What a brave person. Going back to the frontline when he was wounded. I know that this isn’t unusual in Ukraine, but still it’s.
      “I’m so sorry for Vitaly’s family and friends’ loss. RIP and glory fallen hero Vitaly Merinov 🙏”
      And a third commented: “Rest in heavenly peace hero Vitaly Merinov. Condolences to the loved ones. We will not forget we shall remember.”
      Merinov was also a national champion in MMA and earned the title of master of sports in boxing.
      Ukraine sports minister Vadym Huttsait revealed the war has claimed the lives of 262 Ukrainian athletes.
      Another boxing champion Maksym Galinichev passed away last week on the front lines – he was a European champion aged 22. More

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      Anthony Joshua splashing £25million on huge property on one of London’s most expensive streets after beating Franklin

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA is splashing £25milllion of his mega-money fortune on a property on one of London’s most exclusive streets.The 33-year-old London 2012 legend earned around £20m for his decision triumph over Jermaine Franklin at the Greenwich O2 on Saturday night.
      Anthony Joshua secured a comeback victory over Jermaine Franklin on SaturdayCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      He is set to splash the cash on a property on Bond StreetCredit: Google
      Joshua earned £20million for his fight with Franklin at the weekendCredit: Google
      And this week he is set to win another big-bucks battle a few stops down the Jubilee line for the posh 73 Bond Street.
      The former WBA, IBF and WBO king is rumoured to be worth in excess of £170m thanks to his two world title reigns, giant broadcast deals with Sky and now DAZN, as well as his range of blue-chip sponsors.
      And – while most of histories greatest boxers have been infamous for blowing their hard-fought earnings on wine, women and song – our AJ is wisely investing in bricks and mortar.
      A source close to AJ said: “He has always had his eye on the bigger picture when it comes to business and wealth.
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      “He eclipses most other stars when it comes to how to handle great wealth.”
      Joshua’s next money-spinner in the ring could be a rematch against Dillian Whyte.
      AJ knocked Whyte out back in 2015 – avenging his amateur loss to the Brit.
      But Joshua also has his sights on WBC champion Tyson Fury – answering fans’ chants for the clash during his post-fight interview.
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      He said: “You know me, I like to provide for the fans. I know who the fans want. Who do the fans want?
      “They said Fury? The ball is in his court, I will 100 per cent be honoured to compete for the WBC heavyweight championship of the world.
      “I stand here and say that proudly, it would be an honour, so wherever you are if you’re listening. You know my management, you know my promoter.
      “We’ve had dialect before, so let’s continue this and hopefully we can get this on sooner rather than later. We ain’t getting any younger.”
      Fury is searching for an opponent after negotiations for an undisputed fight with Oleksandr Usyk collapsed last month.
      Meanwhile, Usyk, who beat Joshua in 2021 and 2022, is set to take on WBA mandatory Daniel Dubois.
      He is now hoping to land big fights against the likes of Tyson FuryCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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      Jake Paul goes Instagram official with ‘world’s hottest speed skater’ Jutta Leerdam as they post loved-up pics

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      JAKE PAUL appears to have confirmed speed skater Jutta Leerdam as his new girlfriend.The 26-year-old American split from long-term partner Julia Rose last year.
      Jake Paul went Instagram official with ‘world’s hottest speed skater’ Jutta LeerdamCredit: Instagram
      The pair were snapped running together while holding handsCredit: Instagram
      Jake and Jutta both posted images of them together on social mediaCredit: Instagram
      And he headed to Saudi Arabia on his own in February as Tommy Fury clinched a split-decision victory over the YouTube star.
      Reports emerged last week linking Paul with skater Leerdam, 24.
      And now the pair have shared images of them together on social media.
      Among the snaps were pictures of them holding hands and running together.
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      Another showed Paul pulling her under his top.
      He added the caption: “I’m Dutch now. @juttaleerdam.”
      Leerdam also shared pictures of her and Paul, adding: “That’s it.”
      In December, Leerdam won a gold medal at the ISU Speed Skating World Cup in Calgary.
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      Jutta is a world champ in her sportCredit: Getty
      She was first rumoured to be dating Paul last monthCredit: Instagram / @uttaleerdam
      She took first place in the 1000m race, her FOURTH consecutive top finish in the event.
      Leerdam boasts a massive three million followers on Instagram.
      Speaking about her rumoured relationship with Paul, a source told De Telegraaf last month: “They’ve been in contact with each other for months. It originated through Instagram.
      “Jutta was already in Miami a few weeks ago… she is now back in Miami for a Jake Paul show. Then she returns home without him.”
      Leerdam herself was in a relationship with fellow speed-skater Koe Verweij until last summer.
      In December, she said: “I’m having fun, although I’m not the type to stay single for the rest of my life.
      “It’s fine for now but in the end I like to really build a relationship with someone. I still have a lot of love to give.”
      Paul was beaten by Tommy Fury in Saudi Arabia in FebruaryCredit: Getty More

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      Jake Paul’s loss to Tommy Fury WON’T affect MMA debut with YouTube star in training and in talks for opponent with PFL

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      JAKE PAUL’S loss to Tommy Fury will NOT affect his MMA debut with the Professional Fighters League. The YouTuber-turned boxer suffered defeat for the first time in his career in February via split-decision in Saudi Arabia. 
      Tommy Fury beat Jake Paul on pointsCredit: Getty
      Just a month beforehand, Paul, 26, had announced his deal with the PFL, which will see him in both a promotional and fighter role. 
      He looks set to rematch Fury, 23, in the ring this year, but PFL CEO Peter Murray insisted it will not slow down his MMA debut. 
      Murray told SunSport: “Jake’s an incredible competitor and it was a great fight. 
      “But as it relates to MMA, Jake is training in the PFL SmartCage, he’s got his own setup and we’re excited about his focus on MMA.

      “More to come on those details and his debut in MMA but full board, we’re really excited for his debut.” 
      The PFL is MMA’s only seasonal format, consisting of qualifying and knockout stages. 
      Points are earned per method of victory in the opening two bouts with the top four in each division progressing into the semi-finals. 
      From there, it is victory-or-go-home culminating in a winner-take-all finale fight where a title belt and $1m cash prize lays in wait. 
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      But Paul – who wrestled in high school – announced he will head up a new “super-fight” league, away from the regular season
      The American has already began training for his MMA switch with talks for an opponent also ongoing for his PFL debut which is set for 2024.
      Murray said: “From a planning standpoint of course, we’re having a number of conversations regarding, first and foremost, timing and opponent. 
      “The opponent being the number one topic of conversation but we build around that.”  
      Jake Paul training for his MMA debutCredit: @jakepaul More

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      Usyk’s next fight revealed after Tyson Fury bout collapsed but fans fume ‘literally no one wants to see this’

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      OLEKSANDR USYK has been ordered to face Daniel Dubois NEXT following the collapse of his undisputed clash with Tyson Fury.The Ukrainian, 35, looked set to take on Fury for all four world heavyweight titles before negotiations broke down last month.
      Oleksandr Usyk is set to take on Daniel Dubois nextCredit: Reuters
      WBA regular champion Dubois will now fight for the super title against UsykCredit: Reuters
      Now Usyk is set to fulfil his mandatory obligations by taking on WBA regular champion Dubois.
      The Brit, 25, has bounced back from defeat to Joe Joyce with four successive stoppage wins.
      And he is now in line for a shot at unified champ Usyk – who boasts a perfect professional record of 20 wins and no defeats.
      The WBA announced on Monday: “The WBA Championships Committee ordered the bout between Heavyweight Super Champion Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois.
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      “The organization sent the communication to the parties today with a 30-day negotiation period starting on April 4 and ending on May 2 #UsykDubois.”
      Fans have been left bitterly disappointed by the announcement as they fear Usyk will comfortably deal with Dubois.
      Reacting on social media, one person said: “Daniel 🤷🏼‍♂️ there’s others who deserve the opportunity before he does.”
      Another added: “Literally no one wants to see this.”
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      And a third responded: “Dubois didn’t deserve this fight.”
      Dubois was unconvincing last time out against Kevin Lerena as he was dropped three times in the first round before recovering to secure a third-round stoppage.
      But the 25-year-old announced on Twitter that he is up for the challenge.
      He tweeted: “Time to get what I’ve been working for my whole life.
      “@usykaa you are a good champion but nobody has hit you like I will.
      “See you soon. #AndTheNew.”
      Usyk’s last fight saw him beat Anthony Joshua for a second successive time in Saudi Arabia in August last year.
      Joshua recently claimed Usyk pulled out of negotiations with Fury after reading about The Gypsy King’s mind games in his book.
      Tyson Fury’s negotiations with Usyk collapsed last monthCredit: Getty More

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      Anthony Joshua reveals Usyk pulled out of Fury negotiations after reading key detail in Gypsy King’s own BOOK

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA has revealed that Oleksandr Usyk quit negotiations with Tyson Fury after reading his book.Usyk was set to take on Fury later this month in arguably the biggest heavyweight bout of all time.
      Joshua claims that Usyk pulled out of the fight after reading Fury’s bookCredit: Getty
      Usyk and Fury were due to fight at the end of AprilCredit: Getty
      He had initially agreed to all terms set by the Gypsy King – including a 70-30 purse split in “greedy” Fury’s favour – but talks broke down at the end of March.
      And former heavyweight champion Joshua has hinted that Usyk called it quits after reading Fury’s book.
      AJ told Boxing Social: “Usyk said he was reading Fury’s book, and he said stalling negotiations was a part of his (Fury’s) tactic.
      “So when he read that he was like ‘I’m done with these negotiations’.
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      “When you know someone, not only physically, obviously you’re going to fight them so you study their craft.
      “But you know them mentally – why are you playing into their games?
      “Usyk had these negotiations. I’m not playing into these games anymore.”
      Usyk’s agent, Egis Klimas, claimed that Fury was entirely to blame for negotiations breaking down.
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      In March, he said: “No matter how much Usyk compromised, he was pushed for more.”
      The Ukrainian is now plotting a mandatory defence of his belts for the summer. More