The 21-year-old flyweight, who shares his name with the sport's most legendary figure, tested positive for banned steroid trenbolone.

The substance is believed to aid muscle growth.

He failed following the World Series of Boxing clash between his British Lionhearts outfit and Morocco Atlas Lions on April 21.

Ali beat Imad Ahyoun by unanimous decision as the Lionhearts won the overall clash 4-1.

He was provisionally suspended back in October, but has now announced he has been given a two-year sanction.

"All they caught me with was two nanograms, I can't explain it," Ali told the BBC.

"I was trying to make 52 kilograms and I wouldn't want to put muscle on.

"I was literally trying to cut weight.

"It doesn't make sense."

Ali reportedly argued he may have eaten contaminated meat in Morocco, or that the substance had entered his system after having a drink intended for his father.

It was concluded he had not given enough proof to establish he was not at fault, with the International Boxing Association reaching a compromise agreement.

He is the first member of the British boxing squad to fail a drugs test for a banned substance.

Ali's ban is set to come to an end in May 2019.