Anthony Joshua rematch with Dillian Whyte cancelled on “adverse analytical findings” by doping agency
Matchroom Boxing has confirmed that the rematch between Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte will not proceed after Whyte returns questionable anti-doping sample.
The long-awaited rematch between bitter British rivals Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte which was scheduled to take place in London next weekend has been cancelled after the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association informed Matchroom Boxing of an “adverse analytical finding” in a sample provided by Whyte.
A full investigation is scheduled to be conducted now, although Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing say that they expect that this is nothing more than a postponement of the bout rather than a complete write off.
Official Statement on #JoshuaWhyte2 pic.twitter.com/V4BtFaEDuU
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) August 5, 2023
This is now the second major match to be scrapped based on VADA findings, after Conor Benn had his British Boxing Board of Control license revoked last year on what later appeared to be an adverse result triggered by excessive egg consumption.
Whyte has previously failed two drug tests, first in 2012 after his victory over Sandor Balogh and another following 2019′s Oscar Rivas bout.
It is currently unclear whether Joshua will face a different opponent on August 12 or not.