The 26-year-old Scot, from Glasgow, has received the sanction from UK Anti-Doping after testing positive for cocaine.

His test showed the presence of benzoylecgonine and ecgonine methylester - both metabolites of cocaine - following a bout for the European Boxing Union/European Union featherweight title in Campania, Italy, on September 26 last year.

He lost the fight via unanimous decision to home boxer Carmine Tommasone who claimed the vacant belt.

Slowey, a former World Boxing Council International Silver featherweight champion, had previously served a four-month ban in 2010 after testing positive for cannabis.

Follow a review of evidence, the three-year-ban was imposed by UKAD.

UKAD chief executive Nicole Sapstead said: "Whether it was an athlete’s intention to cheat or not, they are solely responsible for any prohibited substance that is found to be in their system.

"Whilst the principle of strict liability can be challenging for any athlete, they must be aware of the risks to their career if they test positive. 

"It is essential that athletes - as well as family, friends, coaches and athlete support personnel - understand both the anti-doping rules and their responsibilities in order to manage that risk at all times."

Slowey is banned from all sport from September 26, 2015 until midnight on September 25, 2018.