British Olympic boxer Muhammad Ali has been hit with a two-year ban after failing a drugs test.

The 21-year-old flyweight, who tested positive for the anabolic steroid Trenbolone in April last year, will be eligible to compete again in May 2019.

Ali protested his innocence when the test came to light, claiming that it may have been a result of him having eaten contaminated meat in Morocco, or consuming a drink that was intended for his father, but the International Boxing Association (AIBA) said that he failed to provide sufficient evidence to back up his claims.

The organisation, however, acknowledged that the European silver medallist did not intend to cheat at competitive boxing.

"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," said GB Boxing in a statement (via BBC Sport).

"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."

Ali has earmarked the Tokyo 2020 Olympics as his next major tournament.