Match Room CEO Eddie Hearn, has called for a radical change in the procedures around drug testing in boxing following the recent two-year ban handed to British boxer Amir Khan. Khan, a former world champion in two weight divisions, failed a drug test in February of last year, testing positive for the banned substance ostarine. He was subsequently banned from the sport for two years by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD).

However, he won’t have too much to worry about since he has already retired from the sport for almost a year. The British champion lost his last fight to Kell Brook in 2022 via a 6th-round TKO. Ironically he tested positive for this fight and now cannot compete for another two years. Despite this, a revelation like this could have an effect on the legacy of one of the most talented boxers out of the U.K. Hearn on the other hand pointed out the broader change needed in the testing for PEDs.

Eddie Hearn wants a change around the conduction of PED tests

In a recent interview with @IFLTV, the British promoter called out the UKAD for their testing procedures. According to him, the UKAD was not fit for conducting these types of tests and lacked the infrastructure necessary to carry out them stringently.

“UKAD and the BBBofC, in terms of the procedures around testing, is not fit for purpose. Simple as that… There’s got to be a radical change now. Change to put in infrastructure, ‘If a fighter tests positive, this is what happens” he said.

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Hearn has been quite critical of the BBBofC for their handling of one of his clients Conor Benn following his failed tests.

Therefore, it should not be surprising that he has called them out again for their handling of Khan’s case. However, his comments do reflect broader concerns about the prevalence of performance-enhancing drugs in boxing, and the need for a more robust and transparent approach to testing.

Amir Khan denies cheating following his failed test

The British boxer denied any wrongdoing claiming that he did not intentionally cheat. In an interview with SkySports, he stated that he was a retired boxer and asked whether his performance reflected any wrongdoing.

Read More: “Well, It Didn’t Help Him Much”: World Champion Mocks Amir Khan as Failed Doping Test Comes to Light

“I have never cheated in my life. I’m a retired fighter, and at the same time you can see by my performance. My performance against Kell Brook wasn’t the best performance I’ve had. I lost the fight.” he said.

In recent years, a number of high-profile boxers have been caught using banned substances, including Canelo Alvarez, Tyson Fury, and Jarrell Miller. In each case, the fighters received significant suspensions and faced public scrutiny. However, in the case of Khan, the scrutiny might not be so high given his retirement and loss.

What did you think about Hearn calling for more radical changes in drug testing? Let us know in the comments.

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