It has been confirmed by United Kingdom Anti-Doping (UKAD) that British lightweight Mitchell Smith is free to return to competition after serving a three-month ban following an anti-doping rule violation.

On October 25, 2025, UKAD collected a urine sample from Smith, which was deemed an in-competition test, after his bout against Arnie Dawson at the O2 Arena, London. Smith, 18-1 (9 KOs), won that contest over 10 rounds. But he would fall foul to the subsequent test.

“Analysis of Mr Smith’s sample returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for carboxy-THC, a Metabolite of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound found in cannabis,” read a statement released today by UKAD.

“THC is prohibited in-competition only. THC is listed as a cannabinoid under S8 of the 2025 World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List and is also identified as a Substance of Abuse. 

“Athletes who test positive for a substance of abuse may receive a reduced three-month ban, if they can prove that they used the substance out-of-competition and in a context unrelated to sport performance.

“UKAD notified Mr Smith of his AAF and imposed a provisional suspension. Mr Smith admitted that he had used THC oil and CBD balm and stated that he stopped use of the products eight days before his bout on 25 October 2025.

“An independent scientific expert concluded that Mr Smith’s use of THC most likely took place out-of-competition (i.e. before 11:59pm on 24 October 2025).”

Smith, 33 and once a prospect of high regard, was formally charged by UKAD on February 10. He admitted using the substance and accepted the consequences, which was a three-month ban and the result of the contest being disqualified. Smith was imposed with a provisional suspension on December 13 last year and the ban expired on March 12.