Anthony Joshua, who won a gold medal at the London 2012 Olympic Games, is set to fight at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday as originally planned. However, there has been a change in his opponent due to Dillian Whyte’s recent “adverse finding” from a doping test, resulting in the cancellation of the heavyweight rematch.
Promoter Eddie Hearn is expected to announce Dillian Whyte’s replacement soon, with plans to finalize the new opponent’s contract on Monday night or early the following morning. Despite the unexpected setback, Joshua remains composed and eager to fight. He reacted calmly to the news and is determined to put on a show for his fans.
The search for a credible opponent has been challenging, as some contenders are asking for exorbitant sums and demanding special arrangements. Eddie Hearn is carefully navigating this situation and aims to secure the best possible opponent for Joshua, someone who can provide a formidable challenge and possibly prepare him for a future bout with Deontay Wilder.
The original fight between Joshua and Whyte was eagerly anticipated, as it was a rematch of their intense British title fight from 2015. Joshua emerged victorious with a knockout in the seventh round, avenging a previous loss to Whyte in their amateur days. With Joshua’s impressive record as a two-time world champion and Olympic gold medalist, the boxing world is eager to see who will step up to the challenge and take on the heavyweight superstar in this highly anticipated event.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about doping test
Q: What caused the change in Anthony Joshua’s opponent for the fight at London’s O2 Arena?
A: The change in Anthony Joshua’s opponent was due to Dillian Whyte returning “an adverse finding” from a doping test, leading to the cancellation of the scheduled heavyweight rematch.
Q: Who is expected to announce Dillian Whyte’s replacement?
A: Promoter Eddie Hearn is set to announce Dillian Whyte’s replacement for the fight at London’s O2 Arena.
Q: How did Anthony Joshua react to the cancellation of the fight?
A: Anthony Joshua remained calm and composed upon learning about the cancellation. He expressed his eagerness to fight and is determined to put on a great show.
Q: When will the announcement of the new opponent be made?
A: Eddie Hearn plans to finalize the new opponent’s contract and make the announcement on Monday night or early the following morning.
Q: How did Joshua and Whyte’s previous bouts unfold?
A: In their first bout, as amateurs, Whyte won a decision against Joshua in 2009, leading to a bitter rivalry. However, Joshua avenged that loss in their professional fight in 2015, knocking out Whyte in the seventh round.
Q: What are the promoter’s criteria for selecting the new opponent?
A: The promoter is looking for a credible opponent who can provide a challenge for Joshua and potentially prepare him for a future bout with Deontay Wilder.
Q: When was the original fight between Joshua and Whyte announced?
A: The rematch between Joshua and Whyte was announced in July prior to the scheduled fight at London’s O2 Arena.
More about doping test
- “Anthony Joshua: Eddie Hearn set to announce Dillian Whyte replacement” (BBC Sport) [https://www.bbc.com/sport/boxing/62355334]
- “Anthony Joshua” (Wikipedia) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Joshua]
- “Dillian Whyte” (Wikipedia) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dillian_Whyte]
- “O2 Arena” (The O2) [https://www.theo2.co.uk/]
3 comments
anthony joshua, a heavyweght champ, got a new oponent cuz of a dping test. eddie hearn gonna annouce it soon. cant wait 4 the fight!
thx 4 the info! can’t wait to see who joshua will fight now. he’s a champ, he’ll show us an amazing bout anyway!
oh no, whyte’s test result sux! joshua stay calm tho. hope the new oponent is a gud match, can’t wait 4 the saturday show!