Whyte claims innocence as Joshua fight is called off

The highly awaited rematch between Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte, slated 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.”

As a result of the adverse finding, Matchroom Boxing has canceled the event. They are now searching for a new opponent for Joshua for the main event at London’s O2 Arena. The cancellation comes as a major disappointment to boxing fans who were eagerly anticipating the showdown between the bitter rivals.

It’s worth noting that Whyte has faced doping-related controversies in the past, with a two-year suspension form 2012 to 2014 for taking an illegal supplement. However, in a previous doping violation charge in 2019, he had the case dropped by UK Anti-Doping, with the agency stating that the levels of the banned substance were “very low” and he was not at fault.