- Joshua vs. Whyte rematch on August 12 canceled due to Whyte’s adverse analytical findings in a pre-fight drugs test
- Whyte denies wrongdoing and expresses disappointment, while Matchroom Boxing seeks a new opponent for Joshua’s main event
The highly anticipated rematch between Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte, scheduled for August 12, has been cancelled after Whyte returned “adverse analytical findings” in a pre-fight drugs test.
The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) conducted the test.
A statement from Matchroom Boxing said:
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.
Further information on the event will follow.
Whyte denies any wrongdoing and claims his innocence. In a statement posted on his social media channels, he expressed his surprise upon learning about the report by VADA.
I am shocked and devastated to learn of a report by VADA of adverse findings relating to me, I only learned of it this morning and am still reacting to it. I have also just seen that the fight is being canceled without having any chance to demonstrate my innocence before the decision was taken,” he wrote.
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. 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.
Matchroom Boxing has cancelled the event as a result of the negative finding. They are currently looking for a new opponent for Joshua’s main event at London’s O2 Arena. The cancellation is a huge disappointment to boxing fans looking forward to the showdown between the bitter rivals.
It’s worth noting that Whyte has been involved in doping-related scandals in the past, including a two-year suspension from 2012 to 2014 for using an illegal supplement. However, in a previous doping violation charge in 2019, UK Anti-Doping dropped the case, stating that the levels of the banned substance were “very low” and that he was not at fault.
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