In the press conference held last month, Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte were face-to-face, facilitated by promoter Eddie Hearn.
Dillian Whyte, however, has been ruled out of his scheduled heavyweight rematch against Anthony Joshua on August 12, due to the discovery of an “unfavorable result” in a doping test.
The promoters Matchroom and the boxing authorities were notified of the test outcome by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA).
According to a statement released by Matchroom, “The match will be called off in the wake of this recent development, and a comprehensive investigation will be launched.”
The news has left Whyte, 35, in a state of devastation, asserting his complete innocence.
Despite the setback, there’s still a possibility for Joshua, 33, to compete at London’s O2 Arena, if a suitable substitute opponent can be arranged.
Whyte expressed his shock and distress over VADA’s report of unfavorable findings associated with him in a statement released on X, formerly known as Twitter.
He stated, “I was just informed this morning and am still grappling with the news.
“It has also come to my notice that the fight is being cancelled without giving me any opportunity to prove my innocence before making this decision.
“I can assure you without any doubt that I have never consumed the substance reported, neither during this training camp nor at any other point in my life.
“I am absolutely innocent and request the necessary time to undergo the process of establishing this, without any prejudgement or media trial.”
The rematch between Joshua and Whyte, a sequel to their 2015 match, was publicised a month ago.
Eight years ago, at the O2 Arena, Joshua scored a knockout victory against Whyte in the seventh round of a heated British title fight, reversing his loss to Whyte in the amateur circuit.
Whyte, who lost his sole world title challenge to Tyson Fury in 2022, had beaten Joshua in 2009 as an amateur, setting off their intense rivalry.
Joshua, an Olympic gold medalist, went on to become a two-time world champion.
In their professional rematch in December 2015, Joshua, though stunned in the second round, managed to stage a comeback and forced a stoppage in the seventh round.
Whyte was cleared of a doping violation charge in 2019 when UK Anti-Doping determined the levels of a prohibited steroid to be “very low” and that he was not culpable.
However, he had served a two-year suspension from 2012 to 2014 for using an illicit supplement.
A tribunal concurred with Whyte’s defense that he hadn’t intentionally taken methylhexaneamine (MHA) but criticized him for not properly checking the supplement’s ingredients.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dillian Whyte doping test
Why has Dillian Whyte’s rematch with Anthony Joshua been cancelled?
The rematch has been cancelled due to an “unfavorable” result that Dillian Whyte received on a doping test conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA).
What will happen to the scheduled match at London’s O2 Arena?
Anthony Joshua could still fight at London’s O2 Arena if a suitable substitute opponent can be arranged in place of Dillian Whyte.
What has been Dillian Whyte’s response to the adverse doping test results?
Dillian Whyte has expressed shock and devastation over the adverse doping test result. He asserts that he is completely innocent and has requested time to go through the process of proving his innocence.
What is the history of the rivalry between Dillian Whyte and Anthony Joshua?
Whyte and Joshua have a bitter rivalry that began in the amateur circuit in 2009 when Whyte beat Joshua by decision. They had a rematch as professionals in December 2015, where Joshua was victorious. The cancelled match was supposed to be a sequel to their 2015 match.
Has Dillian Whyte been involved in any doping controversies before?
Yes, Dillian Whyte was cleared of a doping violation charge in 2019 when UK Anti-Doping determined the levels of a prohibited steroid to be “very low”. Prior to this, he served a two-year suspension from 2012 to 2014 for using an illicit supplement.
More about Dillian Whyte doping test
- Dillian Whyte’s boxing career
- Anthony Joshua’s boxing career
- Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA)
- History of Joshua-Whyte rivalry
- Whyte’s previous doping violation and suspension
6 comments
Yikes! this isn’t looking good for Whyte, he’s gotta clear his name and fast. he’s a good boxer, hate to see his career go down this path…
i ain’t buying it, Whyte is clean… VADA got something wrong, wait and see guys…
Devastating news, hoped for a better outcome. Joshua and Whyte, that’s a fight i’d love to see anytime. Wish Whyte can prove his innocence soon.
Ugh, really wanted to see the rematch… let’s hope they find a decent replacement for AJ.
So frustrating! just when we were getting hyped for a good fight! Whos next on the list for AJ, anyone know?
no way!!! Whyte again with the doping issues?? Can’t believe this happened again, feel sorry for AJ