GLASGOW boxer Jon Slowey has been hit with a three-year ban after testing positive for drugs following a European title bout.

The 26-year-old featherweight has been suspended from all sport until September 2018 by an independent National Anti-Doping Panel for what was his second violation involving recreational drugs.

He previously served a four month suspension in 2010 after testing positive for cannabis.

Slowey's sample was found to contain traces of metabolites of cocaine when he was tested after suffering a unanimous defeat at the hands of Carmine Tommasone in Campania in September last year.

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.

"While 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, who last fought in March, when he suffered a points defeat to Jamie McGuire at Bellahouston Leisure Centre, had been tipped as a future champion after compiling a record of 19 wins prior to his defeat by Tommasone.

His suspension has been backdated to the time of the offence and will expire on September 25 2018.