Mexican boxer Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez has been slapped with a six-month ban by the Nevada State Athletic Commission after failing two drugs tests earlier this year

Alvarez first tested positive for the prohibited substance clenbuterol on February 17 and again tested positive for the same substance 3 days later.

He was subsequently forced to withdraw from the mega world middleweight title rematch against Gennady Golovkin after their first bout ended in a controversial draw in September.

The 27-year-old had blamed the failed tests on eating contaminated meat in his native Mexico and insisted he was the victim of a mistake.

The hearing panel voted to hand down a one-year ban, reduced to six months because Alvarez had cooperated with their investigation.

The ban has been backdated, meaning he will be free to fight as of August 17.

Alvarez has won 49 and drawn two of his 52 fights. His only defeat came against Floyd Mayweather in 2013.