Joshua: Boxing match called after Whyte tests positive
A scheduled match between Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte has been called off after the latter tested positive for an adverse analytical findings from a random drug test which was found in him.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by fight promoter, Matchroom quoting the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA).
According to VADA, the result returned positive after a “random anti-doping protocol” was undertaken by Whyte.
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Reacting to the development, fight promoter Matchroom said in a statement: “Today, the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) informed Matchroom, the Association of Boxing Commissions and the British Boxing Board of Control that Dillian Whyte had returned adverse analytical findings as part of a random anti-doping protocol.
“In light of this news, the fight will be cancelled and a full investigation will be conducted.”
But, countering this, Whyte who was shock after the result claimed he is innocent, saying he didn’t take the reported substance ahead of the match with Joshua on Saturday.
“I am shocked and devastated to learn of a report by VADA of adverse findings relating to me,” he wrote on Twitter.
“I only learned of it this morning and am still reacting to it. I have also just seen that the fight is being cancelled without having any chance to demonstrate my innocence before the decision was taken.
“I can confirm without a shadow of doubt that I have not taken the reported substance, in this camp or at any point in my life.”
To further establish his innocence, Whyte said he had voluntarily reached out to VADA over the years for testing before any fight.
Recall in 2015, Whyte was lost his 16-fight unbeaten record to Joshua at the same O2 Arena
“I insisted on 24/7 VADA testing for this fight, as I have done voluntarily and at my own expense for all of my fights for many, many years,” he said.
“This is not the first time that I have been reported as having an adverse finding for a substance which I have not taken, and as I did last time I will again prove that I am completely innocent.
“In the meantime all I can do is express my extreme disappointment to boxing fans, who will miss out on what was sure to be a great event.”
The botched Saturday fight was a replacement for Joshua and Tyson Fury which was cancelled after talks among the parties involved collapsed.
Another opportunity for Joshua awaits him after he was linked for a bout with Deontay Wilder in Saudi Arabia.
On the other hand, Whye returned to the ring wining 11 fights after he was defeated by Alexander Povetkin in 2020 but he won the Russian after a rematch was set up.
Whyte lost momentum to the defending champion, Fury in 2022 at the Wembley but bounced back in November after a narrow win over Jermaine Franklin.